We discuss Midland's request for changes to Part 95 of the FCC rules to allow digital data transmissions from GMRS mobile radios. We’ll also tell you about a big giveaway promotion and take some of your comments and questions from our blog and our forum.
Intro :00
Billboard 1:08
FCC petition to change Part 95 rules for the GMRS 1:24
On July 16, 2021, Midland requested that the FCC waive certain sections of its Part 95 rules to extend data privileges that are currently limited only to handheld GMRS devices to include mobile radios. On November 29, 2023 the OFFICE OF MANAGING AND DIRECTOR’S BUREAU issued a public notice stating that Interested persons may file statements opposing or supporting the Petition for Rulemaking within 30 days. What exactly is this all about? If this petition is approved, what does this mean for the future of the General Mobile Radio Service? Will this be good or bad for the GMRS airwaves going forward?
Survival Dispatch $25,000 New Year's Giveaway Promotion 30:37
To ring in the new year, Survival Dispatch is giving away $25,000 in prizes during a giveaway drawing on New Year's Day, 2024! Buy Two Way Radios is contributing a Wouxun KG-935G Plus Prepper GMRS Radio Kit to their promotion, valued at $469.99! All you need to do is go to the official giveaway sign up page, enter your email address, and you're in. Listen to the show for details.
Questions and Answers 33:58
Comments and questions from our blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Check out and join the forum! It's free!
Wrap up and Close 37:50
Send in your comments and questions for Danny, Anthony and Rick to show[at]buytwowayradios.com. Feedback on this and other topics will be read by the hosts and included in future episodes of the show. If we read your comment about this episode on a future episode, we may send you a free t-shirt or some swag! Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!
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I like the idea of DMR on GMRS. Amateur Radio has been using DMR and DMR/Analog repeaters for years with great success. The only drawback for the end users and repeater owners would be the availability of equipment, the cost, and maintenance. The AZGMRS club in Phoenix, AZ has almost 500 members, 60% of them are Hams. So it would not be a problem to implement here.
The FCC probably has UHF IMTS (mobile phone), Paging, and TV frequencies that could be allocated to GMRS in the long run.
I don't have a problem with the rule making based on the 30 second or 10 second intervals and 50ms burst of data and, the busy channel lockout in the radios. I don't foresee a lot of interference happening. Midland will probably use BTech's GMRS Pro technology.
In my view, FRS channels seem to be extremely under utilized by the general public. Mostly kids just playing. Reassigning some, or even half of those channels to GMRS would be in the public interest.
I would definitely like to see testing of digital voice to determine it’s practicality.
In Memphis, TN (Shelby County) both FRS & GMRS show limited usage.
Tom Dolan WRQE346
We were the ones operating several DMR repeaters on GMRS since 2016 (we were the first to legally operate DMR on GMRS in the US). The goal was to determine if digital could co-exist with analog radios on shared spectrum in a metro area. This experiment was highly successful and continues to this day. Use of DMR eliminated the need to install a second analog repeater - and use another GMRS repeater channel - to support our two main user groups. This is because one DMR repeater can support two simultaneous messages using one GMRS channel. We agree with the podcast host that GMRS will "stagnate" if it does not meet the needs of its users. It is unlikely the Commission will allocate additional channels to GMRS - so we have to make better use of the channels we have. If we can run several DMR repeaters in a metro area for 6 years, surely Midland can do the same under the severe limitations that the Commission has imposed on them in DA-23-633.
I addition to digital data, DMR (digital voice) should also be allowed. There are several repeaters are currently using DMR with an Experimental license.
Yes, the FCC should allow digital capabilities on GMRS, with additional frequencies to support just those. Either that or allow GMRS to use frequencies already allocated and specifically designated for just digital capabilities on other bands! It should especially include APRS as well as Phone capabilities, not just fraction of second text messages or GPS coordinates! Only licensed GMRS users should be able to use 8t as well as the GMRS band, FRS should be limited to their own band coexisting with CB!