I have often thought that a single device that can keep us in touch around the world AND have simplex communications would be highly desirable. Years ago, when I had Nextel, the earlier devices had Direct Connect, but if you couldn't reach the network, you were "dead in the water". Some time later, they offered off-network Direct Talk. The range was modest, since it is about 600 milliwatts on 902-928 Mhz. I always thought that was a great move on Nextels part because when you lost network coverage, you still had a means to communicate. I actually still have a few of my old Nextels and they still work great on Direct Talk. Nextel is long gone from the United States and it looks like not much iDen remains in other parts of the world either.
And, as most people here already know, devices for the major cell phone carriers in the United States, which are Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint work well when they have coverage. When you lose coverage, you have no Direct Talk on the handset.
While I don't currently have any dedicated MURS radios, I have been aware of MURS probably since the time it was being proposed. As has been discussed here, it probably isn't as well known as FRS/GMRS for various reasons.
Somewhat more recently I have become interested in Network Radio. A friend, who is also a co-worker, mentioned it recently. I have a Zello account and I have had some great conversations there.
Being an outdoor enthusiast, I am often on the lookout for devices that will enhance enjoyment of ATVing, kayaking, horseback riding and other activities. I have seen the Garmin RINO units at Cabela's, for example. They look great with their integration of GPS and GMRS radio. Their limitation, like other radio services, is that they are limited in simplex range and, if you have repeater access, requires the correct PL tones, permission to use the repeater, etc.
Now back to combination devices. They do currently exist. The Inrico T298s is a network radio with an embedded VHF FM transceiver. The problem is they are not currently configured for the United States cellular bands AND the VHF radio would not be FCC Part 95 compliant. Wouldn't it be nice if they start making a US version of the Inrico T298s? You could use it as a cell phone on AT&T or T-Mobile, use it for Network Radio AND have access for the five MURS channels. That would be a handy device for me.
Inrico T298s 3G/Wifi VHF Radio 137-174 MHz (Android unlocked) EU/UK/Australia
And, as most people here already know, devices for the major cell phone carriers in the United States, which are Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint work well when they have coverage. When you lose coverage, you have no Direct Talk on the handset.
While I don't currently have any dedicated MURS radios, I have been aware of MURS probably since the time it was being proposed. As has been discussed here, it probably isn't as well known as FRS/GMRS for various reasons.
Somewhat more recently I have become interested in Network Radio. A friend, who is also a co-worker, mentioned it recently. I have a Zello account and I have had some great conversations there.
Being an outdoor enthusiast, I am often on the lookout for devices that will enhance enjoyment of ATVing, kayaking, horseback riding and other activities. I have seen the Garmin RINO units at Cabela's, for example. They look great with their integration of GPS and GMRS radio. Their limitation, like other radio services, is that they are limited in simplex range and, if you have repeater access, requires the correct PL tones, permission to use the repeater, etc.
Now back to combination devices. They do currently exist. The Inrico T298s is a network radio with an embedded VHF FM transceiver. The problem is they are not currently configured for the United States cellular bands AND the VHF radio would not be FCC Part 95 compliant. Wouldn't it be nice if they start making a US version of the Inrico T298s? You could use it as a cell phone on AT&T or T-Mobile, use it for Network Radio AND have access for the five MURS channels. That would be a handy device for me.
Inrico T298s 3G/Wifi VHF Radio 137-174 MHz (Android unlocked) EU/UK/Australia
