Who owns the repeater channels?

[Guest Old baldy]

I’ve been reading through past discussions and was especially interested by a lengthy discussion about linked repeaters

that got me thinking about who controls the channels available in a given geographic area. 
I know that no one really “owns” the channels and that they are a shared resource but my question is since there are only 8 repeater channels available, what happens when all 8 are already in use or controlled by someone else? 

im not interested at this point in setting up my own repeater at this time because im just starting out and plan on using inexpensive hit radios to start with. But suppose i eventually want to set up my own. How does it work? Can someone say “ sorry i was here first” and then deny your use if their private repeater and in effect prevent you from using your own? 
 

 

[BoxCar]

2 hours ago, Guest Old baldy said:

I’ve been reading through past discussions and was especially interested by a lengthy discussion about linked repeaters

that got me thinking about who controls the channels available in a given geographic area. 
I know that no one really “owns” the channels and that they are a shared resource but my question is since there are only 8 repeater channels available, what happens when all 8 are already in use or controlled by someone else? 

im not interested at this point in setting up my own repeater at this time because im just starting out and plan on using inexpensive hit radios to start with. But suppose i eventually want to set up my own. How does it work? Can someone say “ sorry i was here first” and then deny your use if their private repeater and in effect prevent you from using your own? 
 

 

You are correct in that no one person or entity (other than the FCC) owns or controls the channels. No person or group can stop you from using any of the channels allowed by your license or device. You are free to receive any channel or frequency, however, you are allowed to transmit on authorized channels.

With only 8 channels or frequencies available for repeaters the key concept is sharing use. The rules clearly state that no user is not to intentionally cause interference, and they must accept any interference to their use of the channel. In the situation you asked about, all channels being in use, it then comes down to sharing and accepting the fact you will both cause and receive interference. The users of a single channel should agree between themselves what type of interference is acceptable and how much is considered reasonable. It is against the rule about sharing if one user deliberately causes other users of the frequency interference by causing their transmissions to be interfered with just as any retaliation against an interferer is not allowed.

[Socalgmrs]

You share.  That’s it.  Here in Southern California we have many huge repeaters that cover very large areas many with radiuses of over 100miles. These are not linked repeaters.  All 8 pairs are used several times over.  Then on top of that we have 1000s of kids in back yards,!road crews, Walmarts ect on 15-22 also.  Tones help dramatically but other than that you share.    Unfortunately we have many many people and groups that think it fun to cause malicious interference to other groups and repeaters.  But every one else does their best to share and it works out fine for most people.   

[WRUU653]

@BoxCar pretty much nailed it in his post.
If you decided to add a repeater in a busy area I would try the least used, furthest away from you frequency with different tones. Of course if some of those repeaters are open for you to use you may find you don’t need to add another. 

[Socalgmrs]

1 minute ago, WRUU653 said:

@BoxCar pretty much nailed it in his post.
If you decided to add a repeater in a busy area I would try the least used, furthest away from you frequency with different tones. Of course if some of those repeaters are open for you to use you may find you don’t need to add another. 

I would agree with this also.  Many times a new repeater is not needed.   Most people do not need a repeater at all.  Many times a  communication issue can be solved with a good base station and good mobile units. Usually for less money and head ache. 

[Guest old baldy]

Thanks for your replies. I certainly agree that sharing is the only option. My intention is to hopefully communicate with my wife who works about 12 miles from our home. There is no clear line of sight and if we are unable to connect with mobile radios then my plan B would be to try a repeater. While I don't have access to a 600 ft tower, I could probably get an antenna up 30 - 40 ft, high enough to clear the houses and most trees. Using an online line of sight calculator shows the radio horizon at 12 miles assuming home antenna at 40 ft, and mobile antenna at 6 ft

[Guest old baldy]

thanks for the information

 

[KramerDMZ]

Thanks for this thread.  I'm new to GMRS as well with one of the features being hitting a repeater.  In my area, there are two strong ones that overlap.  One sounds like an active Zello channel.  That tech doesn't appeal to me since it's reliant on the internet.  I've been searching through discussions here about how best to handle.  Your comments about sharing was very helpful.  Thanks --

[GreggInFL]

5 hours ago, WRUU653 said:

Of course if some of those repeaters are open for you to use you may find you don’t need to add another. 

This is important.  I too was eager to set up my own repeater on day one.  Now?  We just use an open one down the street.