A few weeks ago the FCC released a document proposing some changes to the way regulatory fees are calculated, as well as some changes to the fee amounts for various services. This type of release is not out of the ordinary, and normally we wouldn't give it a second look. However, buried in Attachment E(4) (page 40) is the following statement.

The FNPRM seeks comment concerning adoption and implementation of proposals for FY 2014 and beyond, which include: ... (3) eliminating the regulatory fee component pertaining to General Mobile Radio Service;

The FCC is requesting comments from the public concerning eliminating the regulatory fee for GMRS in 2014. Now, the regulatory fee is only a portion ($25) of the total licensing fee, but this may be a clue that the FCC is moving closer to finally adopting their 2010 proposal to eliminate the GMRS license fee entirely.

We're well known for our selection of walkie-talkies and two way radio accessories. But did you know that we carry apparel as well? More specifically, our Buy Two Way Radios T-shirt. It's not an item we've promoted much in the past, but our customers still manage to find it.

Lately, we've been thinking about re-designing our classic t-shirt to making it a lot more creative and personal. We came up with some new ideas for designs and snappy slogans so you can tell the world how you really feel about your radios.

Then, Danny had a really great idea. Let's make it really personal and give you the final say. Thus, the Two Way Radio T-Shirt Slogan Contest has now begun!

Since we are all about two way communications, we're going Two Way all the way. The contest is currently underway in our Two Way Radio Forum, complete with two prizes and two ways to win!

1. You can vote on one of the slogans we created. We came up with a list of ten snappy sayings for our new T-shirts. Simply vote on your favorite and you will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE T-shirt with a winning slogan printed on it. One vote is permitted per forum member.

2. You can create your own clever caption and post it in the forum. If we choose your saying for a T-Shirt, you win a pair of two way radios and a T-shirt with your winning slogan printed on it. There is no limit to the number of entries, so the more pithy phrases you post, the more chances you have to win.

The first way is quick. The second way is creative. You can also enter both ways. Either way, you can still win!

Note: The deadline for all votes and entries is Midnight Sunday, February 24, 2013. Winners will be announced in the Two Way Radio Forum, on our Facebook page in our blog and on Twitter.

We look at new products from Motorola/Giant International for 2013. We also review a book called Two Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:15

Topic Discussion 1:34
We preview some new products in the world of two way radio technology coming out this year from Motorola. We'll look at the lineup of new Motorola Talkabout FRS/GMRS radios, some recently launched Motorola radio accessories, and tell you what we think of these new products. For tips on using your two way radios, watch our new Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

Commercial Break 21:08
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 22:07
Today we review the book Two Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies.

Questions and Answers 28:06
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. The Two Way Radio Show is on Stitcher! Listen to us on your iPhone, Android Phone, BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Find it in your app store or at stitcher.com.

Wrap up and Close 33:20
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. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

We discuss the new FCC mandate for narrowband compliance which took effect January 1, 2013. We also review the Motorola HKPN4007B CLP Multi Charger.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:19

Topic Discussion 1:38
We discuss the FCC requirement for narrowbanding. We explain what it is, the penalties for non-compliance and tell you what you need to do to bring your business radios and licenses into narrowband compliance.
For more information about the FCC narrowband mandate read The final countdown to narrowband compliance has begun - are you ready? and listen to episode TWRS-12 - The Migration to Narrowband. For tips on using your two way radios, watch our new Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

Commercial Break 13:49
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 14:47
Today we review the Motorola HKPN4007B CLP Multi Charger.

Questions and Answers 21:42
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. The Two Way Radio Show is on Stitcher! Listen to us on your iPhone, Android Phone, BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Find it in your app store or at stitcher.com.

Wrap up and Close 24:48
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. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2013 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.

Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish everyone a happy, prosperous and safe 2013! Our offices will be closed for the day on Monday, December 31, 2012 and Tuesday, January 1, 2013. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EST Tuesday, January 2, 2013. Please stay safe while traveling during the new year.

The management and staff at Buy Two Way Radios would like to wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday weekend! Our offices will be closed for the day on Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25, 2012. If you need assistance please send us an e-mail, visit our forums or give us a call after 8 AM EST Wednesday, December 26, 2012. Have a great holiday and please stay safe while traveling.

Are you narrowband compliant? If not, the FCC deadline for narrowbanding is almost upon us and you are almost out of time.

What is the narrowband requirement? The FCC mandated that all manufacturers of business two way radios must cease the manufacture and import of radios that include a 25 kHz mode and all VHF/UHF industrial, business and Public Safety Radio Pool licensees must operate on 12.5 kHz (11.25 kHz occupied bandwidth) or narrower channels By January 1, 2013. At that time, all business land mobile radios and licensees operating in the 150-174 MHz VHF and 421-512 MHz UHF bands must be at 12.5 KHz or narrower.

The good news is that most business class radios sold in the United States within the last eight to ten years are already narrowband capable or compliant. If you are currently operating on wideband, you may simply need to re-program your radios for narrowband. However, if your radios are older, they may need to be upgraded. Fortunately, Kenwood and Motorola are both offering special rebate offers on new UHF and VHF business radios that are narrowband ready. Motorola is currently offering a trade-in promotion as well, in which you can trade in your old wideband radios for newer narroband-compliant models. These promotions end December 31, 2012, so if you need to upgrade, now is the time.

In addition to the radios themselves, business operators must also be licensed for narrowband frequencies. If you are already licensed for narrowband, you're all set. If your license covers wideband only you will need to update your license by December 31, 2012. If you need assistance, give us a call. We can help.

For more information about the new FCC narrowband requirements there are several resources available at Buy Two Way Radios.

The final countdown to narrowband compliance has begun - are you ready?
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-12 - The Migration to Narrowband
Existing License Narrowband Update
FCC Public Notice DA 12-12

You can also give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 or enter our live chat weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM ET.

We take a look back at the year 2012 in the world of two way radio communications and technology. We also review the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB CB Radio.

Intro :00
Billboard 1:17

Topic Discussion 1:34
We discuss some of the news and events of 2012 that shaped two way radio history, some of the new products launched during the year and products that were retired or discontinued in 2012. Radios discussed include the Midland GXT2000, Midland GXT5000, a new lineup of Midland GMRS two way radios, the Cobra CXT135, Cobra CXT235, Motorola TALKABOUT MT350R, MT352R, MD200R, and new Uniden Two Way Radios. The deadline for narrowband compliance and DSC requirements is January 1, 2013. For tips on using your FRS/GMRS two way radios, watch our new Radio 101 video series hosted by Anthony.

Commercial Break 17:04
buytwowayradios.com 1:00

Product Review 18:02
Today we review the Uniden Bearcat 980 CB Radio.

Questions and Answers 23:29
Questions from readers of our Two Way Radio Blog and members of the Two Way Radio Forum. Helpful links for Q&A include the Blu-Comm Wireless Bluetooth Headset Kit (M1) and Radio 101 - Resolving Midland and Motorola Privacy Codes. The Two Way Radio Show is on Stitcher! Listen to us on your iPhone, Android Phone, BlackBerry and WebOS phones. Find it in your app store or at stitcher.com.

Wrap up and Close 28:34
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. Visit us at www.twowayradioshow.com!

© 2012 Cricket Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.