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FCC considers reform of Part 95 rules for personal radio services

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In June 2010, the FCC proposed sweeping changes to personal radio services, including the GMRS. WT Docket No. 10-119 included proposals such as lowering power limits of GMRS radios to 2 watts, changing the allowance for GMRS repeaters and, most notably, eliminating the license requirement for GMRS and license by rule. Now, after 7 long years, the FCC has finally moved to consider a ruling on these proposed changes, and more. The ruling didn't limit these changes to the GMRS, but affected FRS, CB, MURS, and other personal radio services. In effect, the FCC isn't merely wanting to change Part 95 rules, they are planning to reform them.

This Report and Order is a major re-write of the Part 95 Rules. It was apparently reorganized to make it more consistent and easier to read, and eliminating "Q&A" style structuring of some rules in the document. According to the FCC, the rules are being overhauled "to modernize them, remove outdated requirements, and reorganize them to make it easier to find information." In re-writing the rules, the commission hopes to make them "consistent, clear and concise".

Whether or not the FCC actually achieves this objective remains to be seen. The new Part 95 is still a long read, and at 114 pages, the full Report and Order, which includes the new Part 95 rules, is even longer. However, the changes are significant. For users of FRS, GMRS, and CB radios, here is a summary of key changes to those services.

Family Radio Service (FRS)
FRS would now have 22 channels. All 22 channels that today's combination FRS/GMRS radios use will become part of FRS. All FRS channels are also allotted to the GMRS channels on a shared basis.

FRS would now have higher wattage. Previously, FRS was limited to one-half of one watt. The new rules allow FRS radios to transmit at up to 2 watts of power. According to the FCC's new rules, "Each FRS transmitter type must be designed such that the effective radiated power (ERP) on channels 8 through 14 does not exceed 0.5 Watts and the ERP on channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22 does not exceed 2.0 Watts."

FRS radios may transmit digital data Previously, FRS transmissions were limited to voice conversations. Now, these units may also transmit and receive digital data as well. This includes location information or brief text messages to and from other FRS or GMRS stations. The FCC states " Digital data transmissions must be initiated by a manual action of the operator, except that a FRS unit receiving an interrogation request may automatically respond
with its location."

FRS will be allowed to be combined with Part 15 devices. This would permit combination with technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

FRS license by rule is still the rule, but different. Many current combination FRS/GMRS handheld two way radios will be reclassified as FRS and not require an individual license to operate on any of 22 the channels. In effect, if the currently classified FRS/GMRS radio transmits below 2 watts, it's officially an FRS radio and doesn't require a license to operate. Both individuals and businesses now seem to be explicitly authorized for use on the FRS.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
GMRS would have 30 channels. The GMRS is allotted 30 total channels consisting of 16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels. The GMRS operators may use their GMRS station for two-way plain language voice communications with other GMRS stations and with FRS units for personal or business activities.

GMRS can still be used with repeaters. The rules allow for use of GMRS with repeaters on specified channels. GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations may be operated by remote control.

GMRS radios may transmit digital data. As with FRS, digital location information, requests for location information, and brief text messages to another specific unit are now allowed to be transmitted over GMRS. Previously this was allowed to Garmin through a special waiver.

GMRS still requires a license but for a longer term. Previously, a GMRS license was valid for 5 years. Licenses are now valid for 10 years. As for current FRS/GMRS radios, If it transmits above 2 watts, it's a GMRS radio and needs a license. Current repeater capable FRS/GMRS radios will be classified as GMRS and require a license. A license is still issued for use by individuals and their immediate families. Immediate family members are the licensee's spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Non-individuals are grandfathered in.

Citizen's Band Radio Service (CBRS)
"Citizens Band Radio Service" would be officially named "CB Radio Service". Cordless microphones are allowed on CB. The restriction of long-range communications for CB has been eliminated, however the power limit was not increased. The CB serial number no longer required to be engraved into the transmitter chassis. Manufacturers are no longer required to include the FCC rules with CB radios.

Other notable changes affecting all of these services

  • Voice obscuring features would be prohibited across the entire PRS.
  • Continued use of existing radios that include scrambling features are now prohibited.
  • 18 months after adoption, no person shall be permitted to manufacture, import, sell, or offer for sale any equipment that incorporates voice scrambling or obscuring for any of the PRS regardless of previous certification.
  • Radios combining multiple services will no longer be approved. This includes FRS and GMRS (although GMRS is compatible with FRS).

Note: The reform is under tentative consideration by the FCC at its open meeting scheduled for May 18, 2017. From the FCC: "The issues... and the Commission's ultimate resolution of those issues remain under consideration and subject to change. This document does not constitute any official action by the Commission."

What do you think of the new Part 95 rules? Enter your comments below.

26 thoughts on “FCC considers reform of Part 95 rules for personal radio services”

  • E.E.

    I Know this topic is 5years old
    But I just saw it as I'm making an FRS/GMRS radio recommendation to a friend.
    So, what were the final approved part 95 changes the FCC finally settled on?
    Any changes that differ from the "proposed" changes discussed here?

    Dual service FRS/GMRS transceivers are to no longer to be produced or allowed to be used?
    Digital data transmissions & GPS markers are to be legal on FRS/GMRS, but GMRS/FRS radios previously produced with voice scrambling are now illegal to use whether that feature is activated or not?
    Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

    Reply
  • kenneth lynch

    well i have a cobra mobile radio as a home base station its features cw fm / am /usb / lsb bands a / b / c / d band . i can talk on usb lsb from 26. mhz to 29. mhz and my ant is a solarcon a-99 antenna 40 ft high.

    Reply
  • Paul

    Not necessarily. A lot of non-ham people use these radios where cell phones are either impractical or spotty coverage. Hunters use them to coordinate safe fire zones and on our private lake, boaters use them to stay in touch with their ports. And of course there are the preppers. If the mainline communication modes go down, FRS/GMRS, CBRS and ham radio will be attractive options. I am a ham plus I do maintain a GMRS license with intentions of setting up a repeater someday.
    What I wish the FCC would have done is authorize CBRS in the FM mode as it is in Europe. Some of these radios have made their way into the USA and are illegal to use. But with enforcement being what it is, I doubt anyone will ever get caught.

    Reply
  • Rick

    Corey, the answer is neither. The Baofeng BF-888S is not FCC Part 95 type accepted or approved for legal use as an FRS or GMRS radio. It is acceptable for use as an amateur (ham) radio only.

    Reply
  • Corey Faulkner

    Would a BaoFeng BF-888s classify as FRS or GMRS?

    Reply
  • Guess you can't understand what you read? It says,No longer a restriction on distance that you talk on the CB Radio.What part of that can't you understand?

    Reply
  • Dan

    @ Joe Cusimano
    CB is AM/SSB for a long time now. And for the purposes of it, it works well. If, as it sounds like, you want your own "private channel" I think you need to use a different radio service.

    Reply
  • Rick

    The current station ID requirements remain in effect under the new rules.

    Reply
  • Michael Manning
    Michael Manning May 18, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Are there any changes or clarification of station identification requirements for GMRS?

    Reply
  • Joe Cusimano

    The 27 MHz CB Band needs some new channels where the FM mode only would be allowed.
    The AM mode works great for aircraft but is not the best for general public communications where there is a big need for positive squelch (CTCSS) controlled reception as is available in every other professional grade two-way radio.

    Reply
  • Ben

    Honestly too many people in the HAM world see everything through the lens of "voice". If its not CW/Voice, its not "really" HAM (or GMRS, or whatever). The big changes here are not the EIRP/Wattage changes. People who don't care about the rules or just want to be annoying ar already using 8w+ baofengs with 16" long antenna's on FRS/GMRS channels anyway. And what does 2w really gain at 70cm anyway? Honestly it just takes the standard legal FRS radio from a borderline useless kids toy to a moderately useful "family/group" radio like it was always supposed to be. It still won't even remotely compete with a 5w 2m HT with a decent antenna.
    No the real big changes here are not the EIRP/channels/wattage changes, its the digital data allowance changes and the ability to be included in WiFi/BT devices (wireless SOCs come to mind). That will open up all kinds of interesting applications (like the GoTenna style devices for example). I'm excited to see what devices we see people come up with for use on these services now.

    Reply
  • Alan

    Calvin,
    DX will now be allowed under the new rules.
    It's okay!! -73's

    Reply
  • Jason Woodson
    Jason Woodson May 6, 2017 at 7:16 pm

    Ray the reason they have the rule of a fixed antenna is to limit the range of FRS, which is a good thing. now that FRS and GMRS cannot be mixed into the same radio means more GMRS handhelds will have the means of having a detachable antenna and higher power ratings. This will also make it easier to hold pirates accountable for using radios unlicensed which is great as well.

    Reply
  • Jason

    Ray I glad of the regulations and I do not think they go too far at all except for the license cost. If people started using crap radios like those cheap Baofeng/Btech radios it would generate noise across frequencies making the service to deteriorate on others channels other than the one being used. Equipment regulation is a MUST.
    Listing of allowed radios I agree could be better. Censoring while needed I do believe it goes too far on GMRS and HAM. While I understand the need to have filth censoring I also think a good portion of channels should be set aside for those to freely speak how people want (without censoring). However, that doesn't mean those uncensored channels shouldn't be completely uncensored as I still want abusers to be held accountable such as people that use high power to simply walk on people intentionally, people who makes threats to others, People who talk about using drugs and/or selling them on the radio, and general consistent violent talk/trolls.

    Reply
  • I have mixed feelings about these rules. I really really REALLY hope that we can still use Part 90 radios on GMRS, and even on MURS. Being forced to use bubble pack technology will be catastrophic. I am looking forward to a GMRS license soon and would like to enjoy it as many others have.

    Reply
  • Ray

    The comment block was becoming unreadable so I had to cut my previous comment short.
    I hate to see the unlicensed blister-pack radios increased to 2 watts. Lord knows, they create enough havoc on GMRS with the .5 watts they already have. How about just removing the silly rule regarding detachable antennas and call it a day? Allowing these useful radios to come packed with the 8 primary GMRS channels was nothing short of folly by the FCC, but then we see heaping helpings of that with GMRS, CB, and the like. Guess we wouldn't know how to handle it, otherwise.

    Reply
  • Ray

    For too long, GMRS has been the most over-regulated of all land mobile radio services. Overboard requirements of type-acceptance, differing from standard emergency or business Land Mobile radios, has made procurement and use of bases, mobiles, and ht's, a pain for the average user. Add to that, the totally non-intuitive FCC online list of "accepted" radios and you have a recipe for major headache for your average GMRS licensee. No phone patches, no this, no that, cannot use the input for semi-duplex with mobiles and ht's to avoid the numerous blister-pack radios infesting GMRS channels, you name it, the service is overly regulated.

    Reply
  • Calvin Strickland
    Calvin Strickland May 1, 2017 at 10:12 am

    GRMS how do I get a license for GRMS
    And what frequencies I'll be allowed to use when getting my license
    And about the CB radio how come you and not allowed to talk DX
    On the CB radio if it happens how would you know
    Until they say where they are

    Reply
  • Kevin N8VNR

    Will FRS retain the restriction on detachable antennas?

    Reply
  • M. A. Martin

    Thank you.

    Reply

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