On 2004-11-24, Dolemite wrote:
Thanks alot for everyone's responses. I just had the handsets
delivered yesterday. Am I missing something here? Why would someone
complain about me using a hand held radio on occassion for brief
periods of time? Its not like I'm broadcasting a pirate radio station
or purposly messing with other communications. Are there accounts of
the FCC going after private users for consumer products? My
intension is to use the radios while out camping or playing paintball,
maybe if I get lost in the mall so my girlfriend can guide me through
it.

If you are using a GMRS radio without a license, you are intentionally
interfering with other communications -- the legally licensed users of the
band. Remember GMRS frequencies are shared, so the licensed users have a
right to complain, and the FCC can go after you. If you want license free,
use FRS, MURS or cell phones.



I was on the FCC website already (was going to swallow the $80) and
realized all I had to do was send a check for the license. There's
not testing or training involved. Again, it doesn't make sense for
paying for an $80 license for a $20 product. Will having the license
teach me anything new about how to use the product? It seems more
like an added tax on a purchased product than ensuring users know how
to properly use the product.



Yes -- a $80 license for a $20 radio does seem a bit steep, but if you
realize that in the fairly recent past, these radios were not in the $20-$30
range, but more like $200+ each and more likely to be used my small
businesses than individuals, the fee sort of makes sense. As it stands now,
it is more of a money maker for the FCC, rather than a tax.



--
Alex / AB2RC
Linux is user friendly. However, it isn't idiot friendly.