| May 3,
1999
In My View
Editorial Opinion
by Doug Smith
KAF9830
WA6GON
|
 |
"FCC you
have the comments,
now act, please."
Unwittingly or as intentional
scofflaws, GMRS licensees in some areas are ignoring the new operating
restrictions on 462.675/467.675. The FCC has turned these GMRS licensees still
using 462.675 into common criminals through a bizarre rule making earlier this
year. People are still using 462.675 for other than emergencies and traveller's
aid. Those that do are even using call signs. This whole situation is becoming
a horrendous mess.
It's time to restore 462.675/467.675 to
the thousands of people who used it legally before the rule change. It is time
for the FCC to recognize the previous 675 rule worked AND that the investment
made by licensees to support that rule has been decimated by this horrible
mistake. We have waited long enough.
Many of the repeater systems on this
GMRS channel pair were used by public service teams around the country. These
same teams used the repeaters for family communication. (I shouldn't have to
remind even the FCC that personal communication is the entire reason for GMRS
and not handling emergencies.) The plan in force for 462.675 worked. Now we
have a vacant radio channel except for the scofflaws and the grandfathered
business licensees allowed to remain.
What gives? Why the wait? The Personal
Radio Steering Group filed a Petition for Stay and a Petition for
Reconsideration that was supported by many other GMRS licensees and even GMRS
Web Magazine's own comments before the Commission. GMRS public service groups
and REACT groups all over the US made their concerns known. GMRS licensees want
these restrictions lifted now, not months or years later.
This isn't funny anymore. Existing
systems are going to have to move at incredible expense. Changing channels in
the commercial service isn't as easy as changing crystals or reprogramming a
radio. I shouldn't have to go into the reasons again in this editorial. FCC you
have the comments, now act, please.
 |
Doug Smith
KAF9830
WA6GON
|
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