Which is why the ham community has failed, as have orgs like the ARRL. Whiffs of whackerism, sad ham isms, and "it's too expensive or difficult" and once again hams are our own worst enemies. A few YouTube losers who hate rules get the most airtime and voila, up pop all the illegally linked GMRS repeater networks almost overnight. Maybe if ham radio was promoted by the same ilk instead of the ARES whackers and old farts...never mind.
It’s way up here in S. Florida. The analog guys went to DMR, or P25. Between Rick, AC4XQ, Bob, W2GGI, or Eric, KF4LZA, they all got linked DMR systems across Florida. And Eric probably has 15, or so VHF, UHF, & 900 P25 repeaters in SE Florida. I think he has some GMRS repeaters here too. A buddy had a GMRS repeater here in West Palm Beach on a huge tower, & I used it for a while, but I think he passed, & the repeater is gone. But strangely in the last week the discussion on Rick’s DMR system is GMRS, using encryption, or digital there, & linking GMRS repeaters. Suddenly there’s an interest?
And the license is good for 10 years now instead of 5.
Like minded idiots could be considered family.
Uh oh.General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
AboutRule Part47 C.F.R, Part 95 Subpart ERadio Service Code(s)ZA - GMRSwww.fcc.gov
On August 14, the FCC amended the language of this webpage to include the following on the Operations tab:
"A GMRS user can expect a communications range of one to twenty-five miles depending on station class, terrain, and repeater use. GMRS stations cannot be interconnected with the public switched telephone network or any other network for the purpose of carrying GMRS communications, but these networks can be used for remote control of repeater stations. In other words, repeaters may not be linked via the internet—an example of an “other network” in the rules—to extend the range of the communications across a large geographic area. Linking multiple repeaters to enable a repeater outside the communications range of the handheld or mobile device to retransmit messages violates sections 95.1733(a)(8) and 95.1749 of the Commission’s rules, and potentially other rules in 47 C.F.R. Repeaters may be connected to the telephone network or other networks only for purposes of remote control of a GMRS station, not for carrying communication signals.
In addition to violating Commission rules, linking repeaters is not in the public interest. Because GMRS spectrum is limited and used on a shared “commons” basis, the service only works well on a localized basis when users can hear each other and cooperate in the sharing of channels. Linking repeaters not only increases the potential for interference, but also uses up a limited spectrum resource over much larger areas than intended, limiting localized availability of the repeater channels.
GMRS and the Family Radio Service (FRS), which share many of the GMRS channels, are intended for individuals such as family members and friends, scouting troops, emergency response groups, and hobbyists to communicate with each other over short distances, directly or through a repeater station. Linking repeaters, via the internet or other networks, undermines the purpose and usefulness of the GMRS and FRS."
Interesting this one little webpage gets amended before the FCC releases a public notice telling us to knock it off with linking
I haven't heard a peep from the system near me. The funny part is that delinking will result in me using one of the repeaters far more often, for local personal communication. I don't enjoy having to compete with nets and linked users in major cities for airtime.
The fcc probably anticipates this and has set the stage for enforcement. I don't think the usage of the word 'violation' was unintentional. The first NAL issued will cause the rest of them to unlink with a quickness. Like you I think they will have to make an example out of one of those 'ill do what I want' crowds.
And unlink the MURS stuff at the same time. Although I don't know if that's still up as I locked out the MURS channels due to hearing the same conversations on multiple GMRS channels AND MURS.
If people would do their research, they'd see that the FCC did not change the rules. They merely posted clarifying wording on their website. Until they change the actual rules to clearly say what they mean, people are going to argue about GMRS repeater linking.
