GMRS use questions

[Guest EvilMorty]

Hello Awesome People!

 

I'm looking into the best way to accomplish a project. I work at a business and we are looking for some 2 way radios. We are looking to cover a 3 mile radius. We have a fairly tall building - couple put an attena and repeater on there if needed.

 

My research shows me conflicting information on GMRS in business. Some places claim it's allowed. Some don't. Some say the business itself has to be licensed. Others say each employee does.

So I am looking for clarification, and thought this would be a good place to ask.

 

1) Can I use GMRS in a business setting?

2) Can I license the business as a whole?

3) Searching FCC database here: wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchGmrs.jsp, it looks like 1 GMRS license in my area total. No freq's listed though.

 

Is this as simple as picking up some programmable Baofung radios that output 5w? Programming them in the GMRS space. Throwing a 50 watt repeater on the roof.

 

Looking forward to learning more.

Thanks

 

[SteveC7010]

Hello Awesome People!

 

I'm looking into the best way to accomplish a project. I work at a business and we are looking for some 2 way radios. We are looking to cover a 3 mile radius. We have a fairly tall building - couple put an attena and repeater on there if needed.

 

My research shows me conflicting information on GMRS in business. Some places claim it's allowed. Some don't. Some say the business itself has to be licensed. Others say each employee does.

So I am looking for clarification, and thought this would be a good place to ask.

 

1) Can I use GMRS in a business setting?

2) Can I license the business as a whole?

3) Searching FCC database here: wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchGmrs.jsp, it looks like 1 GMRS license in my area total. No freq's listed though.

 

Is this as simple as picking up some programmable Baofung radios that output 5w? Programming them in the GMRS space. Throwing a 50 watt repeater on the roof.

 

Looking forward to learning more.

Thanks

 

1. No. GMRS is a personal radio service now. Business use was discontinued several decades ago however there are still a few legacy licenses for businesses that were granted before the change. They must renew to retain their use of the GMRS frequencies. The personal radio service rules were recently updated to clarify all of this. Check out FCC.gov and search on Part 95.

 

2. No. See #1.

 

3. No longer relevant.

 

Depending on the model of the Baofengs, they are or are not certified for use in various radio bands by the FCC. Most of them really only qualify for licensed amateur radio operator use.

 

You should contact a local two-way radio shop for guidance and equipment. They are familiar with your area and can best advise you on licensing, etc.

[Logan5]

As I recall, You could use GMRS for business, if each user is family licensed @ $70 dollars, adding just a few users and you would be better off getting your own business shared repeater frequency from the FCC.

[Guest EvilMorty]

@SteveC7010

Thanks for the informative post. It sounds like GMRS is a no go then, except...

@Logan5 mentions: "getting your own business shared repeater frequency from the FCC"

Can you explain this? Would this not be GMRS, instead DMR or something else similar?

 

I reached out to a radio shop in the area - they are over our price budget by a significant amount. What non DMR tech would be good for this?

[PastorGary]

Part 90, with good used analog equipment, is fairly inexpensive.  The business administrator would have to be licensed and employees under his or her jurisdiction could use the business equipment while on the clock and working.

[Guest EvilMorty]

Hi again.

After more extensive reading, it sounds like a standard VHF/UHF business system is best for us. Analog or Digital is just a matter of dollars at that point. FCC licenses are expensive.... 500+, but we would be assigned a freq pair for the repeater and could program any uhf radio for use with that.

 

It's a $3000 project if done right with new equipment.

 

Thanks everyone for your help in clearing up what GMRS is meant for. I do appreciate it, and some of the terms listed in this thread were enough to jump start some research.

[Guest john harazda]

There are 5 channels in the MURS band that I think can be used for your purposes.  It's a no license citizens band and no repeaters are allowed.  It's in a pretty decent portion of the spectrum and probably should be ok for a 3 mile radius (maybe).  Mobiles should work ok, handhelds, maybe not so good.

[Jones]

There are 5 channels in the MURS band that I think can be used for your purposes.  It's a no license citizens band and no repeaters are allowed.  It's in a pretty decent portion of the spectrum and probably should be ok for a 3 mile radius (maybe).  Mobiles should work ok, handhelds, maybe not so good.

 

Keep in mind that MURS, whether hand-held or mobile, is limited to no more than 2 Watts TPO.  In a city with tall buildings, this would be a no go for 3 miles, even with 5/8 wave antennas on the roof. In wide-open space, you could do it.