For nearly two years, we've been dealing with persistent repeater jamming across several GMRS repeaters in the Southeast Wisconsin / IL border area. The McHenry, IL, machine has been hit especially hard, bearing the brunt of the abuse.
Unfortunately, the problem has escalated. The individual responsible—and now several copycats—have begun targeting users on Ham repeaters as well. Over the past 30 days, a recorded message has been played after hours of jamming, urging users to contact the FCC and providing a phone number. We have filed over 100 complaints; despite these efforts, no meaningful relief has come. Apparently, the FCC has checked out of the enforcement business unless it's a Pirate FM radio station.
The nature of the jamming varies: some transmissions include sexually explicit short stories, DTMF tones, sirens, and music. Others include personal information such as users’ names, home addresses, and, most recently, the repeater owner's phone number. In one disturbing instance, a local retired sheriff—who regularly uses the repeater—had his home address broadcast during a multi-hour rant, despite his license being registered to a P.O. box. All of this is done using AI voices and voice changes. We have several tips, including addresses, call signs, FRN numbers, names, and the roads this person is using while mobile jamming.
This behavior is not only disruptive but dangerous. We urge anyone affected to continue documenting incidents and reporting them to the FCC. The more voices they hear, the harder it becomes to ignore. If anyone has any information, I would appreciate hearing it. I own this repeater. I keep it online for some older folks in the area who enjoy radio and the friends they have made.
Unfortunately, the problem has escalated. The individual responsible—and now several copycats—have begun targeting users on Ham repeaters as well. Over the past 30 days, a recorded message has been played after hours of jamming, urging users to contact the FCC and providing a phone number. We have filed over 100 complaints; despite these efforts, no meaningful relief has come. Apparently, the FCC has checked out of the enforcement business unless it's a Pirate FM radio station.
The nature of the jamming varies: some transmissions include sexually explicit short stories, DTMF tones, sirens, and music. Others include personal information such as users’ names, home addresses, and, most recently, the repeater owner's phone number. In one disturbing instance, a local retired sheriff—who regularly uses the repeater—had his home address broadcast during a multi-hour rant, despite his license being registered to a P.O. box. All of this is done using AI voices and voice changes. We have several tips, including addresses, call signs, FRN numbers, names, and the roads this person is using while mobile jamming.
This behavior is not only disruptive but dangerous. We urge anyone affected to continue documenting incidents and reporting them to the FCC. The more voices they hear, the harder it becomes to ignore. If anyone has any information, I would appreciate hearing it. I own this repeater. I keep it online for some older folks in the area who enjoy radio and the friends they have made.
