[RVRC] FCC NPRM Regarding GMRS

[Rich Dunajewski]

To anyone who is a GMRS licensee or has any interest in GMRS (General Mobile
Radio Service), the FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)
which seeks to basically make GMRS into FRS with a few perks. They're
calling into question the need for repeaters an high output power and
ultimately want to drop the license requirement. Further, they seek to
narrowband GMRS by as early as 2011! It's causing quite a stir among the
GMRS community and I wanted to be sure the word got out to everyone who has
a remote interest.

Because I run myGMRS.com, the top repeater directory specifically for GMRS,
I plan on responding the FCC with a formal proposal. I urge any current
licensees to do the same if you'd like the FCC to hear your comments and
concerns. Comments will be heard until the end of June, so time is already
ticking away. Whether you have a long or short comment, your support is
appreciated.

One of the best features of GMRS when compared to Amateur Radio is that one
license can cover an entire family without the need for a test. If you have
a stubborn family who doesn't want anything to do with getting a Ham
license, GMRS has always filled a niche. While in our area radio is less of
a necessity due to the proliferation of cell towers, it's still one of the
only forms of communications in much of the country and great for emergency
preparedness. The only two "free" options for the general public should not
be CB or Ham.

The NPRM can be viewed here:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-106A1.pdf

And comments may be submitted here (also displays other public comments):
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view?name=10-119

-- 
Rich Dunajewski
N2DLX
WQEJ577