Imagine Nationwide or International Coverage of your GMRS Repeater, Legally!

[WRYZ926]

1 hour ago, CogentRadios said:

Actually it is different, there would be a group established on a dedicated server, that is not accessible to anyone with an app or poc radio, you must be added to the group by a sysop not just have a node available to dial into.

While you might be controlling access to your servers, you will still be using other networks, either internet or phone, to connect to GMRS repeaters. 

Last time I checked a server still connects to the internet and accepts connections from the internet. Again  you will still using other networks to connect to GMRS repeaters, which is not allowed.

[Davichko5650]

17 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

 

Last time I checked a server still connects to the internet and accepts connections from the internet. Again  you will still using other networks to connect to GMRS repeaters, which is not allowed.

Pretty much covered in the following, and I've not seen how Cogent can gainsay this one?

§ 95.1733 Prohibited GMRS uses.

(a) In addition to the prohibited uses outlined in § 95.333 of this chapter, GMRS stations must not communicate:

(8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station;

 

Internet is chock full of wireline control links! As are most, if not all Cell systems.

FWIW, I don't really have a dog in this fight, I rarely use repeaters, the other people I use GMRS with, at least the immediate family and off-road groups/friends never use them.  But just seems no real need here for what Cog is proposing...

 

[WRYZ926]

It's been between 16 and 18 years since I worked as a network administrator. Most of our router internet connections were T1 connections and we provided wireless 900 MHz internet for customers.

Regardless if you agree with the FCC when it comes to linking GMRS repeaters, they did clarify their stance on the matter a few months ago.

Linking repeaters has its place for amateur radio but it is not needed nor wanted by most on GMRS.

[CogentRadios]

Here is the response from the FCC. Once again "Staff Opinion" is dictating the rules, which are guidelines. Next step contacting my senator in the hopes of forcing a legal opinion and definitions for the terms in questions.

 

"

The information you requested from the FCC can be found below in the body of the email.

 

If you have any questions contact us at

 

(877) 480-3201.

 

Thank You!

 

Case Id: HD0001478045

 

Summary: Rule Clarification

 

Description: The rules and definitions pertaining to utilizing digital to analog FM technologies are not real clear and I am seeking clarification regarding the following scenario.

 

**Please do not reply back to this message. The e-mail address is configured for outgoing e-mail only.**

 

Good afternoon,

The rule states that stations may only be connected to the PSTN or other networks for the sole purposes of operation by remote control. Staff opinion is that using any network, including digital cellular networks to carry messages to be transmitted on GMRS channels is prohibited.

Please note that there may be other rules that impact the operations described. The type of station that you describe does not appear to meet the definition of a repeater station when operating in this capacity(see 95.303). Further, automatic control of stations operated in the GMRS is generally prohibited unless that station meets the definition of a repeater station under the rules (see 95.1747 and 95.347).

If you have any further questions or need additional information, please submit a help request at https://www.fcc.gov/wtbhelp or call the FCC Licensing Support Center at (877) 480-3201.

Sincerely,

FCC Licensing Support Center
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET, M – F

 

 

Ref:MSG17140595

[SteveShannon]

13 minutes ago, CogentRadios said:

The rule states that stations may only be connected to the PSTN or other networks for the sole purposes of operation by remote control.
 

Here are the two actual rules:

§ 95.1733 Prohibited GMRS uses.

(a) In addition to the prohibited uses outlined in § 95.333 of this chapter, GMRS stations must not communicate:

(8) Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station;

§ 95.1749 GMRS network connection.

Operation of a GMRS station with a telephone connection is prohibited, as in § 95.349. GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations, however, may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745.

 

13 minutes ago, CogentRadios said:

Staff opinion is that using any network, including digital cellular networks to carry messages to be transmitted on GMRS channels is prohibited.

I know it’s not what you want, but “Staff Opinion” doesn’t seem to exceed the wording of the actual rules.  

[Davichko5650]

12 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Here are the two actual rules:

 

 

 

 

I know it’s not what you want, but “Staff Opinion” doesn’t seem to exceed the wording of the actual rules.  

I'm waiting to hear what his Senator has to say. I don't see them being much help.  Again, fun to watch but I don't have any need for this service, like to watch Don Quixote in action though...

[CogentRadios]

15 hours ago, Davichko5650 said:

I'm waiting to hear what his Senator has to say. I don't see them being much help.  Again, fun to watch but I don't have any need for this service, like to watch Don Quixote in action though...

I will slay those windmills! ;)

[CogentRadios]

"Don Quixote in action" Submitted a filing to have the term networking removed from GMRS rules and clearer definitions of "Clear Speech", "Networking" and existing rule terminology. Final comments on Docket No. 25-133 are due by 04/28/2025. I am hoping this wont take years to determine.

[ULTRA2]

On 3/15/2025 at 6:48 AM, WRUU653 said:

Want coms for a community nation wide, use a group text or Facebook neighborhood group page. 

To operate on Facebook or community group pages you need a computer right now these days not everyone is Tech Savey or have ways of getting on the Internet that's why Radio communications are essential to have and if there's a way to do it legally then go for it. 

[WRUU653]

38 minutes ago, ULTRA2 said:

(1) To operate on Facebook or community group pages you need a computer right now

these days not everyone is Tech Savey or have ways of getting on the Internet that's why Radio communications are essential to have and (2) if there's a way to do it legally then go for it. 

1) Actually you can use a tablet or phone. As for tech savvy, if you can figure out tones for a repeater I think you can figure out Facebook or a group page. 

2) When it comes to GMRS at present it isn’t.

3) Amateur radio certainly can do it legally, in part because it has the room for it. 

 
I understand the desire but I don’t think it’s essential to talk to my neighbors via radio from across the nation. A phone will suffice just fine. That’s what I do if I need to speak to a neighbor while I’m away. There are internet based radio like services as well. It doesn’t need to be or IMO even should be GMRS. .02 

[Jaay]

2 hours ago, WRUU653 said:

1) Actually you can use a tablet or phone. As for tech savvy, if you can figure out tones for a repeater I think you can figure out Facebook or a group page. 

2) When it comes to GMRS at present it isn’t.

3) Amateur radio certainly can do it legally, in part because it has the room for it. 

 
I understand the desire but I don’t think it’s essential to talk to my neighbors via radio from across the nation. A phone will suffice just fine. That’s what I do if I need to speak to a neighbor while I’m away. There are internet based radio like services as well. It doesn’t need to be or IMO even should be GMRS. .02 

Exactly.  Since GMRS was always intended to be a Short range or Local radio service to begin with.  Everyone's ambitions about trying to make Gmrs a nationwide thing would be better served if they just studied up and got their amateur radio license instead, then they would have Several avenues available to them to accomplish Nationwide comms.

[GrouserPad]

On 3/25/2025 at 11:00 AM, CogentRadios said:

"Don Quixote in action" Submitted a filing to have the term networking removed from GMRS rules and clearer definitions of "Clear Speech", "Networking" and existing rule terminology. Final comments on Docket No. 25-133 are due by 04/28/2025. I am hoping this wont take years to determine.

We. Don’t. Want. Your. Linked or networked.  Repeaters on gmrs. 

[WRUE951]

What is this Horse's name??   NAME IT!!  it keeps pestering the hell out of a dead subject  

[CogentRadios]

On 3/29/2025 at 10:37 PM, GrouserPad said:

We. Don’t. Want. Your. Linked or networked.  Repeaters on gmrs. 

But yet when it was endorsed and the parts were sold by mygmrs to link repeaters it was all the rage LOLOL. I am glad concepts and advancements in approaches to technology Dont. Depend. On. People. That. are. Not. Informed.

[CogentRadios]

On 3/29/2025 at 10:53 PM, WRUE951 said:

What is this Horse's name??   NAME IT!!  it keeps pestering the hell out of a dead subject  

Rocinante

[WSHT525]

Wild. 
I got my GMRS license for local comms when out and about off road and camping (formerly had ZJ\YJ, AMC Eagle, and Ram, now in the Subie ranks along with a lifted & modified '79 Bus) where the people I'd occasionally go out with had no desire to get their Technician ticket, but more importantly, avoid the hams rag chewing on simplex when I'm trying to find out if i need to cut left or right on the trail to avoid dragging on a rock. 
Want to talk to people in your area while away on vacation just for the sake of talking to them?? Your vacations must suck. If it is something important, a phone is vastly more timely. If low priority, that's what email is for. If it just to socialize, then why are you on vacation?
Then again, I've got my General ticket and I refuse to pay the cost of entry to do HF and have zero desire to collect contacts like Pokemon. 34 years in IT has given me my fill of talking to strangers around the world yet is that side of me that enjoys the technical challenges of trying different modes and seeing what I can do for as little $ as possible. 

The name of the horse is "Bob." As in Microsoft Bob. A solution to a non-problem.

[WRUE951]

1 hour ago, CogentRadios said:

But yet when it was endorsed and the parts were sold by mygmrs to link repeaters it was all the rage LOLOL. I am glad concepts and advancements in approaches to technology Dont. Depend. On. People. That. are. Not. Informed.

No necessalry the 'rage'.  Just something that got literally out of hand.  Of course, i can see why someone like Cogent wants to keep the sharks flying.    Big Money! 

[WRUE951]

1 hour ago, CogentRadios said:

Rocinante

I thought for sure you would say 'Alexandria'