Midland petitions FCC for waiver to allow data Tx from non-handheld GMRS radios

[DVINTHEHOUSEMAN]

If people want data transmission on GMRS, they should petition the FCC to reallocate an additional 50-100 KHz (up to 8 channels assuming 12.5 KHz bandwidth) of the spectrum in the 462-467 MHz band to GMRS, for use with data only, so as to not interfere with regular voice users. Radios could be manufactured for both types of transmission BUT would be required to only allow transmission of voice on its own channels (channels 1-22) and data on its own channels (23-30, this is just my idea).

Data DOESN'T mean digital voice. The door is open somewhat to digital DATA, but no voice information or trunking on those channels could be transmitted or utilized.

I think what Midland is doing is a step in the right direction, however allowing data on the current channel set would just make GMRS an absolute mess.

 

[mmckenna]

Short bursts of data are already permitted. Garmin Rino units have been doing it for nearly 20 years now.

PTT with data burst should be allowed for GPS location. It's not going to hurt the service, as it's already allowed.

As for running packet? No. Go to the ham bands for that. No reason to pollute the limited resources on GMRS with stuff that can easily be done on the spectrum ham radio is already sitting on. GMRS is NOT ham radio, and doesn't need to be turned into an extension of the ham bands. There's already enough low IQ hams that think their license gives them permission on GMRS, we don't need to add to it.

 

[AK9R]

If people want data transmission on GMRS, they should petition the FCC...

A better approach would be to convince Midland, Uniden, Motorola, Garmin, etc., to petition the FCC for changes to the GMRS rules, band plan, etc. I doubt that individual users will be able to convince the FCC to give them the time of day. But, if the radio manufacturers petition the FCC for changes and can convince the FCC of the commercial benefits of their proposals, the FCC might pay attention.

 

[KG7PBS]

They did this with MURS and now I can't use a single MURS channel here in Los Angeles. Nothing but an endless stream of data bursts that will drive you crazy. This is not a good idea at all.

that’s why we have DPL/PL tones we can use. Or just flip the Encryption button and go AES-256. That is a joke for the people who don’t know

 

[KG7PBS]

Ok what if Digital Voice could be used on GMRS/FRS like DMR, or NXDEN? Yay or Nay?

I would love say 3 channels given permission for Digital P-25,DMR, NXDN, PMR, and Provice

 

[KG7PBS]

Why don't you just use those modes on amateur radio since you already have the license to do so? That is the precisely the service to do all your experimenting, and it is encouraged.

Because I can’t get all my friends and family to get their Ham Tickets

 

[NC1]

Because I can’t get all my friends and family to get their Ham Tickets

If that is the case, then they are incapable of grasping the technical details necessary to troubleshoot when something goes wrong, which would probably not be the case if they are using simple analog. Quite honestly, if they don't have the will to get their ham tickets then that is a very convincing point for it to remain analog. The Tech license is so easy to get in all reality, so the GMRS radio service in it's current form is a perfect fit for them.