Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

The FCC has lowered the fee proposed from $50 to $35 for GMRS licenses and Amateur Radio licenses. Effective date is unknown but should be announced around 30 days prior to taking effect. See the attached Report & Order (12/29/2020).

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-184A1.pdf (See pages 85 and 86 of fee schedule, which shows the fees for GMRS and Amateur Radio. I've attached a snap shot of it below.

post-845-0-93675600-1609409352_thumb.jpg

Posted

So if I read Michael attachment correctly, save on the fee.  So if you are thinking about getting or renewing your GMRS call sign, wait 30 days... per the attached will be $35. (see paragraph 40 or so).  You will save half off the current $70 fee.  I got my GMRS call sign in November so I made a $35 donation, that is life, have been enjoying the process to this point.  

 

The FCC has lowered the fee proposed from $50 to $35 for GMRS licenses and Amateur Radio licenses. Effective date is unknown but should be announced around 30 days prior to taking effect. See the attached Report & Order (12/29/2020).
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-184A1.pdf (See pages 85 and 86 of fee schedule, which shows the fees for GMRS and Amateur Radio. I've attached a snap shot of it below.

Posted

Nothing stopping you from giving them another $35, since it is such a good deal.

 

Well that sucks cause my license don't expire until 2028. I really wished they did this earlier

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

Posted

One part of me agrees with you and my better half see the glass more then half full and I have been up and running even if I paid $35 extra...  I have meet a lot of new friends like you.  Found the biggest and best Repeater that I gave him $500 donation as it is cheaper the putting up a repeater....  His mountain is twice as high as mine.  I'm way ahead and my G daughter is loving this GMRS we been playing with since mid November call sign issued...

Jack

 

Well that sucks cause my license don't expire until 2028. I really wished they did this earlier

Posted (edited)

So if I read Michael attachment correctly, save on the fee.  So if you are thinking about getting or renewing your GMRS call sign, wait 30 days... per the attached will be $35. (see paragraph 40 or so).  You will save half off the current $70 fee.  I got my GMRS call sign in November so I made a $35 donation, that is life, have been enjoying the process to this point.  

 

That is incorrect. The actual fee for a GMRS license is not stated at all. The reader is told to refer to the Wireless Tellecomunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide. As far as I know the fee for GMRS is still $70...

 

H2AOY.png

Edited by n4gix
Posted

That is incorrect. The actual fee for a GMRS license is not stated at all. The reader is told to refer to the Wireless Tellecomunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide. As far as I know the fee for GMRS is still $70...

 

H2AOY.png

 

The GMRS fee is still $70, but only because the new fee structure has not gone into effect.  

 

GMRS, amateur, and a lot of others are classified as "personal licenses" and they will all be $35 (page 85 of the PDF in the first post).  Thankfully, change-of-address will not have the fee.  

 

EDIT:  I see the what n4gix means.  Seems the FCC document is a bit contradictory.  

Posted

Take a look in the document for the following:

 

2df2ab180e85d4db9bc89d7e0b7471b3.jpg

 

Let us know if you concur that the fee will be lowered to $35 or if you interpret no change.

 

BTW, I agree that new fees are not in effect. I have not seen yet a date they go live.

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

Posted

I'm hoping the cost does get lowered for the same reason.  Our local off-road/Jeep group (I'm a newish member) looks to be moving to GMRS. I'd like to encourage that with these folks but don't really want to be the one to pressure them to get licensed.  I plan to bring up the topic Saturday during our run. Might be more attractive at $35 but these guys can afford $70.   I'll bring my 3 HT and talk to them about the 25w mobiles I'm installing in the XJ and the X4 Wolverine.  There are a few lightly used repeaters in the area and I think it would be a hoot to take advantage of them while offroading different areas. 

Another group is a free, no charge, just for fun, 'off-road' rescue group with a helluva bunch of guys with very capable rigs.  They just hang out and gang up for a rescue when requested, and have done some amazing stuff.

 

Hell's bells, maybe we could find a good spot for a repeater of our own.  

Posted

In my past life I would read the Federal Register pink sheets which is after posted, printed, will be the rule 30 days from posting unless the objections are overwhelming... So in 30 day it will be the new rule...  

Posted

That is incorrect. The actual fee for a GMRS license is not stated at all. The reader is told to refer to the Wireless Tellecomunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide. As far as I know the fee for GMRS is still $70...

 

H2AOY.png

Yes, currently the fee is $70, but once the new ruling goes into effect it will be $35 for a new or renewed GMRS license.
Posted

Well this should be good news when the fee is officially lowered. I have a friend that is part of an off road Jeep group and they want to switch to either Ham or GMRS just for their own group. I understand that the national group has moved to GMRS, so this should be welcomed news to them.

 

https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/cb-replaced-by-frs-gmrs-two-way-radios/

 

They dabbled with this last year and I know there are a few threads on JJ and GMRS. On my last JJ in October very few were using GMRS. There was also a huge loss in reality as most of the guides I spoke to said that JJ was licensed and they did not need one. I tried to educate each guide I had but I don't see many getting the license regardless of the cost. Most don't see a need and when they open the box and install it just works. That's part of the issue. Hopefully someone at JJ realizes what is needed and educates at least their guides. 

 

As for actual usage both days i had one guide that had a GMRS radio. It wasn't used at all but I did scan the whole weekend and some groups were using GMRS. Most of my groups were new riders and were on CB. 

Posted

So I'm 74 yo and my license expires in 11/17/2030.  I may not live that long so have my G daughter going to apply for her GMRS as I can not transfer it to her....  Just joking happy whatever God choose for me and my exit plan to heaven.   G daughter is tasting the GMRS... 

Jack

I hope to not expire before my current license in 2027.   :unsure:

Posted

The new fee is not a big deal for me. I have 9-1/2 years to go on my current 10 year license. My first two license were $90 +/- for each of my first two five-year licenses, so the current $70 was a welcome change. My luck it will be $500 in 2030 when I am up for renewal again.

 

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

Posted

Good viewpoint... based on where you are at at the time....

The new fee is not a big deal for me. I have 9-1/2 years to go on my current 10 year license. My first two license were $90 +/- for each of my first two five-year licenses, so the current $70 was a welcome change. My luck it will be $500 in 2030 when I am up for renewal again.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

Posted

I’m due to renew guy feb 22 2021. The way Gov works I again will get screwed.  Happened at the 5 yr vs 10 year change and now this.  Plus I had planned on upgrading to AE on the ham side...

I'm right there with you. I missed the 10 year rule change and it looks like I will miss the fee reduction because mine expires in February 2021. :mellow:

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Learning the hard way:

  1. Wanted radios that work better than FRS cheapies you find at Lowes/Home Depot. Bought 5 watt Midlands GXT1030. (fail)
  2. Knew I needed FCC license but didn't know to wait for 1/2 reduction in fees (fail)
  3. Happen to see a repeater in south Charlotte and thought "cool" I can use that with these radios (fail)
Posted

 

Learning the hard way:

  1. Wanted radios that work better than FRS cheapies you find at Lowes/Home Depot. Bought 5 watt Midlands GXT1030. (fail)
  2. Knew I needed FCC license but didn't know to wait for 1/2 reduction in fees (fail)
  3. Happen to see a repeater in south Charlotte and thought "cool" I can use that with these radios (fail)

 

On the upside though, at least you got a decent call sign! WRKL328,,,

 

I got stuck with a real tongue-twister; WQWU626, which nearly everyone misses the U and thinks my call is WQW 626!

Posted

Hans and mainehazmt, wait for the last minute or next to last day and see if it will be reduced before Feb 2021.  I'm a member of the "I paid $70 Club" and for $7.00 a year it ok...  Well work taking your call sign if you like it..

Jack

I'm right there with you. I missed the 10 year rule change and it looks like I will miss the fee reduction because mine expires in February 2021. :mellow:

Posted

Hans and mainehazmt, wait for the last minute or next to last day and see if it will be reduced before Feb 2021.  I'm a member of the "I paid $70 Club" and for $7.00 a year it ok...  Well work taking your call sign if you like it..

Jack

 

IIRC, as a federal regulatory agency, it will be 30 days after they officially announce the change that it will go into effect. They said that in their response as well. Unless I missed it, I don't believe they have officially announced the change yet so my renewal would pass by and I have too much set up with our call sign to let that happen. :(

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Guidelines.