Yep! Nextel..... no cell phone bill for "calls" as long as you use the
walkie talkie side only. Per my understanding, that part is unlimited.
To get a Ham license, you will get a license, and you'd need to use your
call sign once every 10 minutes. Your call sign is able to be found on line
and so - you would have a real problem with that. Nosey people? When you
intend to "share" PUBLIC airwaves, you have to accept that you WILL be
heard. Unless you're talking Drug deals, investments (to be kept secret),
etc; usually no one would give a crap what you and your dad talk about
unless you're violating the rules. The "Repeater" Control Operator is
legally liable for anything said. It is their business to be "nosey".

I suggest you go with Nextel if that is your attitude. The way this question
was put, I'd tend to believe it was a troll. Just another "dig" at the hams.
There has been a LOT of that. Hell, given your attitude, even CBers would be
too "nosey" for you. Yep... definately - go with Nextel. God forbid any Hams
or CBers would want to hear what you and dear ole dad have to discuss.
You'll have as much privacy as you want. You and dear ole dad could talk til
the cows come home about anything your little heart desires and no one will
hear you..........

Lou


"Hal Rosser" wrote in message
. ..
Considering your preference for privacy, maybe the cell phone is what you
need.


"Jim" wrote in message
news:YTOoe.18764$x96.6562@attbi_s72...
Me and my Dad have been thinking about a ham certificate for quite some
time. After trying cb and murs for use around the city we pretty much
gave up on the radio hobby due to unreliability.

2m repeaters sound like a lot of fun and have coverage all around our
town. I really don't have much to talk about with strangers but enjoy
listening occasionaly.

What we were wondering if theres any way to use a repeater and only have
our squelch open up when we call each other. of course once I am on the
air I want to hear everything. I dont really want to hear chattering all
day long just waiting for a contact. I hope this makes sense what I'm
asking.

From a practical point of view home and cell phones are much better but
thought the radio hobby could be fun.

We also dont like the idea of our names being public. is there any way
that you can keep your name and address away from nosey people?

thanks for your time.