University using GMRS without license...

[WRUM475]

I live nearby and monitor that channel after a lot of scanning. It's MSU parking enforcement using channel 17. That's all I've ever heard from them on that channel.

[KAF6045]

On 8/4/2021 at 12:36 PM, daschnoz said:

If their license is valid, you will need to find another frequency to use. 

I see nothing in the FCC regulations that force one to change frequency. Use of their repeater, OTOH, may not be allowed.

Quote

§ 95.1703 Definitions, GMRS.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). A mobile two-way voice communication service, with limited data applications, for facilitating activities of individual licensees and their family members, including, but not limited to, voluntary provision of assistance to the public during emergencies and natural disasters.

Grandfathered GMRS license. A GMRS license held by a non-individual person (i.e., a partnership, corporation, association or governmental unit) as a result of renewals of a GMRS license issued prior to July 31, 1987.

Note that the FCC considers those grandfathered licenses to still be GMRS -- not some business (LMR) exclusive band. Making use of their repeater, OTOH, may require asking permission (and likely not getting it).

Quote

(g) Limitations on grandfathered GMRS licenses. GMRS licenses that were issued prior to July 31, 1987 authorized GMRS station operation at specified locations, on specified channels, and with specified antenna height and transmitter power. Grandfathered GMRS licenses authorize only continued operation of those specific stations by these licensees, at the specified locations, channels, antenna heights and transmitting power. The FCC does not accept applications to modify, assign, or transfer grandfathered GMRS licenses (other than administrative updates to change contact information).

The primary facet is that the only modification to the license allowed is with regards to contact information. They are otherwise stuck with the frequency (pair if repeater), antenna height, location, power, etc. as when originally licensed. The City of Grand Rapids runs a repeater on .575, 50W transmitter with 200W ERP on a 290 foot tower (or maybe building roof). On a "good" day, that repeater can break squelch all the way out to Lowell (it's supposed to have a 35 mile radius). The 1997 PRSG Repeater Guide listed 141.3 146.2 as available for EMERGENCY/TRAVEL use only (any other usage had to get prior permission from the city -- and likely a different CTCSS tone).

What does the city use it for? Especially since the whole state has converted to a massive trunked digital system? Well, while undergoing chemo sessions, I get good signal of the staff running the city parking lots having troubles with gates not going up/down, payment machines not accepting cards, etc.

Edited August 4, 2023 by KAF6045
corrected ctcss for GR

[Lscott]

On 8/2/2023 at 3:49 PM, KAF6045 said:

Making use of their repeater, OTOH, may require asking permission (and likely not getting it).

It gets more interesting if they DON’T have a license. In that case by using the repeater they are obviously breaking the FCC GMRS rules. If a legally licensed user accesses it without permission what are they going to do, complain to the FCC? Then they end up with a big fat fine, maybe get the radios and repeater confiscated. They would be better off saying nothing and continue using it since the FCC isn’t interested, yet, and ignoring the other users.

[OffRoaderX]

54 minutes ago, Lscott said:

what are they going to do, complain to the FCC? Then they end up with a big fat fine, maybe get the radios and repeater confiscated.

Statistically (and historically) speaking, no, they wont, and anyone that actually believes that this would actually happen is either living in a made-up fantasy world or being willfully disingenuous.

...just sayin...