Lexus dealer in AZ nailed by FCC for unlicensed GMRS use

[n1das]

Found this in today's FCC Daily Digest:

SCOTTSDALE LEXUS. Notified Scottsdale Lexus of its apparent liability
for a $10,000 Forfeiture for willful and repeated violation of section
301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and sections 1.903(a)
and 95.3 of the Commission's rules. Action by: Acting Chief, Spectrum
Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau. Adopted: 01/26/2011 by NAL.
(DA No. 11-157). EB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-157A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-157A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-157A1.txt

 

[BonziBuddy]

They only go after businesses with money.

 

[WA1ATA]

With a $10,000 pending fine, it's a tossup whether it is worth it for the Lexus dealer to hire a lawyer and try to get the fine lowered, or if it's cheaper to just cough up the $10k.

I wonder if that is part of the calculation used by the FCC to determine the proposed fine.

 

[KX4KDH]

Hahaha... I'm sorry, but I love it....

Every business who uses FRS/GMRS radios deserves to get their feet taken from under them. Most of the time, when told they aren't allowed to use them, they have a cavalier attitude, and say it is not illegal. Do yourselves a favor, and get MURS radios. Stop conducting business on frequencies that I paid for a license to use. And one that you CAN'T be issued a license for.

 

[petey_racer]

Hahaha... I'm sorry, but I love it....

Every business who uses FRS/GMRS radios deserves to get their feet taken from under them. Most of the time, when told they aren't allowed to use them, they have a cavalier attitude, and say it is not illegal. Do yourselves a favor, and get MURS radios. Stop conducting business on frequencies that I paid for a license to use. And one that you CAN'T be issued a license for.

I fully agree, although I let my license lapse and have no intention of renewing.
They don't hand these fines out on a first offenses. It takes several warnings. If you are that stupid to keep going you deserve to pay every dollar.

 

[b7spectra]

When I'm driving around, I always have my Spectra in the MONITOR (open squelch) mode. Hotels, security guards, coffee shops, the list is endless. Even has a government entity (school) on GMRS.

 

[davidgcet]

before long it won't matter, i know the FCC is supposedly considering doing away with the license requirement. which just means that 95% of users will then be legal.

 

[WA1ATA]

They don't hand these fines out on a first offenses. It takes several warnings. If you are that stupid to keep going you deserve to pay every dollar.

Ummmm. Read the links to the FCC file on this case.

It DOES appear that they are proposing a $10,000 on a company that immediately ceased illegal use of GMRS upon being notified.

 

[burner50]

See, the problem is, businesses used to be able to get licenses for GMRS radios.

 

[LisaUK]

Wow. I hear a few people on GMRS in my area, and I'm in the UK lol, then again our version of your GMRS/FRS is PMR446 which is limited to 8 channels with 500mw. And they are a bit of a nightmare for business use as kids and stuff have them as they can be bought from around 20 pounds on the lower end of the market. UK General is good though, you get a 3 year licence from ofcom for only 60 pounds for 2 years which give a range of VHF/UHF frequencies at max 5 watts output, isn't there anything like that in the states?

 

[Ablice]

Lisa,

Yes we do, it's called a GMRS license (or licence). You get 5W or you can use repeaters with a max of 50W.

 

[b7spectra]

Ours is good for 5 years and equates out to about 52.77 pounds or $85 US.