In a nutshell -- using a radio to transmit on a band that requires a
license -- is against the law.

You can rationalize and complain all day long -- but the above fact is the
bottom line.

Lots of laws "make no sense" but laws are laws -- break them and suffer
possible consequences.

Will you get caught -- maybe -- maybe not -- why take the chance ?

Keep in mind that those that paid for a license will take a dim view of
those who don't -- may even turn you in.

That is a given on the Ham bands, we are very protective of the privileges.
I suspect the GMRS folks are also.

Perhaps investigate alternatives

1. CB Radio -- no license
2. FRS Radio -- no license

My wife and kids and I use FRS radios all the time -- Shopping Malls,
Disneyland, camping etc. And FRS radios are very inexpensive.

Yes they have a limited range -- so if you want broader coverage -- get a
Ham license.

I can talk thru a repeater to ranges over 50 miles on VHF/UHF with hundreds
of frequencies and also world wide on HF

Ham tickets are easy --See URL:
http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html

--
The Anon Keyboard
I doubt, therefore I might be



"Dolemite" wrote in message
om...
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.

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.

Again, thank you for everyone's responses.

Tom Randy wrote in message
...
On Thu, 18 Nov 2004 10:06:13 -0800, Dolemite wrote:

I just bought two Uniden GMRS 2-way radios for $20. I plan to use them
while shopping in the mall and while out playing paintball. Do I
really
need to get an $80 5-year license from the FCC? What does the license
protect against?


A $7 to $10,000 fine. Just get the license.