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GMRS/FRS License confusion - What's true?

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sfgiantsradio

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Dec 25, 2009
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56
I have read that you need a license to use 462.5625-462.7125. I have also heard that you don't need a license. Does anyone have the real answer? I think that we all need the real answer.

I think that you do need a license. What do you think?

Thanks
 

SkipSanders

Silent Key
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
1,059
There are FRS frequencies, and GMRS frequencies. 7 of those frequencies are shared by both services.

On the shared frequencies, both may operate, and may talk to each other, as well. However, FRS stations on those frequencies are still limited to half a watt, and fixed antennas. GMRS stations on those 7 channels are limited to 5 watts.

Operation on the GMRS-only frequencies, or on the shared frequencies with more than a half watt, or with a removable antenna or external antenna, requires a GMRS license.
 

hockeyshrink

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Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
265
I have read that you need a license to use 462.5625-462.7125. I have also heard that you don't need a license. Does anyone have the real answer? I think that we all need the real answer.

I think that you do need a license. What do you think?

Thanks

I think, think of it in terms of the equipment you are using:

-- Bubble pack FRS/GMRS radio (500mw, fixed antenna) - no license

-- Part 90 radio programmed to GMRS frequencies (variable wattage to 50 max, removable antenna for external connection) - license required

Does that work?
 
N

N_Jay

Guest
I think, think of it in terms of the equipment you are using:

-- Bubble pack FRS/GMRS radio (500mw, fixed antenna) - no license

-- Part 90 radio programmed to GMRS frequencies (variable wattage to 50 max, removable antenna for external connection) - license required

Does that work?

Close.

Bubble pack FRS/GMRS radios on FRS or shared FRS/GMRS channels > No License
Any radio (Including FRS/GMRS pubble pack radios) on GMRS only channels > License
Part 90, Part 87 (Ham), or Part 95 (GMRS) radios on FRS only frequencies > Not legal
Part 87 (Ham) radios on any GMRS frequency > Not legal
 

hockeyshrink

Member
Joined
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Messages
265
Close.

Bubble pack FRS/GMRS radios on FRS or shared FRS/GMRS channels > No License
Any radio (Including FRS/GMRS pubble pack radios) on GMRS only channels > License
Part 90, Part 87 (Ham), or Part 95 (GMRS) radios on FRS only frequencies > Not legal
Part 87 (Ham) radios on any GMRS frequency > Not legal

Roger roger....leave it to the US Government to take something fairly straightforward, like a GMRS service, and totally turn it into a confusing mishmosh of muck

ty N_Jay
 
N

N_Jay

Guest
Roger roger....leave it to the US Government to take something fairly straightforward, like a GMRS service, and totally turn it into a confusing mishmosh of muck

ty N_Jay

Would you prefer they left it clear and simple? No FRS, and all GMRS needs a license?
 

Thunderknight

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Location
Bletchley Park
Close.

Bubble pack FRS/GMRS radios on FRS or shared FRS/GMRS channels > No License
Any radio (Including FRS/GMRS pubble pack radios) on GMRS only channels > License
Part 90, Part 87 (Ham), or Part 95 (GMRS) radios on FRS only frequencies > Not legal
Part 87 (Ham) radios on any GMRS frequency > Not legal

Ham is Part 97, not 87.
 

ArtU

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
151
Would you prefer they left it clear and simple? No FRS, and all GMRS needs a license?

I think it would be someday the reverse; GMRS is like the old Class "A" UHF CB from the 60s.

Class "D" CB was 11 meters. Folks forget "CB" had four classes when it was created.

My forecast is as years pass, all FRS/GMRS will be license free some day shortly. The manufactures are pushing this and do it by making radios that require a GMRS license, sell them to anyone; but most folks never get the licenses. Just like the old days; once it gets all out of hand, they just will drop the license like they did with class "D".

ArtU
 
N

N_Jay

Guest
I think it would be someday the reverse; GMRS is like the old Class "A" UHF CB from the 60s.
It is exactly that, and it needed a license then also.

I think it would be someday the reverse; GMRS is like the old Class "A" UHF CB from the 60s.

Class "D" CB was 11 meters. Folks forget "CB" had four classes when it was created.

My forecast is as years pass, all FRS/GMRS will be license free some day shortly. The manufactures are pushing this and do it by making radios that require a GMRS license, sell them to anyone; but most folks never get the licenses. Just like the old days; once it gets all out of hand, they just will drop the license like they did with class "D".

ArtU

My forecast is as years pass, all FRS/GMRS will be license free some day shortly.
I hope not.

The manufactures are pushing this and do it by making radios that require a GMRS license, sell them to anyone; but most folks never get the licenses.
Except those radios don't do repeaters and are (mostly) low power.

Just like the old days; once it gets all out of hand, they just will drop the license like they did with class "D".
Maybe not. Maybe the FCC has learned. (maybe?)
 

SkipSanders

Silent Key
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
1,059
The most likely thing if they remove the license, is that they'll remove repeaters, too. And remove 45 watts. Welcome to 5 watt simplex. If you're lucky, you might be allowed a removable/external antenna.
 

ArtU

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
151
It is exactly that, and it needed a license then also.




I hope not.


Except those radios don't do repeaters and are (mostly) low power.


Maybe not. Maybe the FCC has learned. (maybe?)

What has the FCC learned? It learned that it saved money and hassle by not requiring licensing. Manufactures learned non-licensing means more profits and more sales.

Why do you think MURS and FRS was created by the manufactures on frequencies that needed license in the past? Manufactures lobby FCC for less rules for more sales. More sales produce products with more features.

Have you ever been involved with the radio wholesale or retail business?
 

nhscannerman

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Sep 11, 2009
Messages
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Location
Nashua, NH
What has the FCC learned? It learned that it saved money and hassle by not requiring licensing. Manufactures learned non-licensing means more profits and more sales.

Why do you think MURS and FRS was created by the manufactures on frequencies that needed license in the past? Manufactures lobby FCC for less rules for more sales. More sales produce products with more features.

OK let me put it this way. I say have the FCC make private channels for the FRS and leave the GMRS frequencies alone
 

ArtU

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
151
What has the FCC learned? It learned that it saved money and hassle by not requiring licensing. Manufactures learned non-licensing means more profits and more sales.

Why do you think MURS and FRS was created by the manufactures on frequencies that needed license in the past? Manufactures lobby FCC for less rules for more sales. More sales produce products with more features.

OK let me put it this way. I say have the FCC make private channels for the FRS and leave the GMRS frequencies alone

That would be nice for all of us, which is why it probably won't happen according to my Prognostication :(

I hope I am wrong...
 
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