Before the Federal Communications Commission

Washington, D.C.

In the Matter of:

Petition for Rulemaking to Permit Optional Internet Linking of GMRS Repeaters

Submitted by: Rielee Egan (WSCW462) Caden Truhan (WSGW937) Donnie Whysong (WSCM904) and members of the GMRS community

Date: 02/08/2025

I. INTRODUCTION

To the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this Petition for Rulemaking to the FCC to amend 47 CFR Part 95, specifically § 95.1733(a)(8) and § 95.1749, to allow optional internet linking of GMRS repeaters.

The current prohibition on linking GMRS repeaters via the internet is an outdated regulation that unnecessarily limits the potential of GMRS for:

• Emergency communications

• Public safety coordination

• Technological advancement

We urge the FCC to update the rules to allow internet linking of GMRS repeaters under regulated conditions, ensuring the service remains non-commercial and family-oriented as originally intended.

II. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE PETITION

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) was originally designed for local personal and family communication. However, technological advancements and evolving public safety needs have outpaced the current regulatory framework.

The current ban on internet-linked repeaters limits GMRS’s ability to support critical emergency communications and community coordination.

History of the GMRS Linking Ban

The restriction on linking GMRS repeaters via wired connections was established when telephone patching and analog networks posed a risk of interference. However, moderninternet-based linking uses secure, digital connections that do not introduce unintended transmissions or interference.

In 2017, the FCC updated the rules to explicitly prohibit internet linking after receiving complaints from individuals about its use. However, this rule was not actively enforced for several years.

At the end of 2024, the FCC began heavily enforcing the rule, leading to the shutdown of multiple GMRS-linked repeater systems worldwide. This enforcement has significantly impacted the GMRS community, disrupting emergency communication networks, community nets, and disaster response efforts that had been successfully operating for nearly a decade.

III. WHY THIS RULE SHOULD BE UPDATED

1. Enhancing Emergency and Disaster Communications

GMRS is used extensively for local emergency communications, particularly in rural areas, during disasters, and for community preparedness. However, its current limitations restrict the ability to extend communication over greater distances when local infrastructure fails. During emergencies, the ability to link repeaters across a wider area could:

• Save lives

• Improve coordination between first responders, community groups, and volunteers

• Ensure effective disaster relief efforts

GMRS is becoming more popular due to its accessibility and ease of use. More people are using GMRS for emergency communication, making this rule change even more critical.

2. Promoting Technological Advancement and Network Growth

The ban on internet linking stifles innovation within the GMRS community. Allowing internet linking would:

• Encourage investment in GMRS repeater infrastructure

• Expand GMRS coverage and accessibility, increasing demand for GMRS licenses

• Support community nets, such as kids’ nets and emergency preparedness networks

GMRS has seen significant growth in licensed users due to these networks. Restricting linking only discourages participation and limits the potential of GMRS.

3. Public Safety and Coordination Benefits

GMRS repeaters are commonly used by:

• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

• Neighborhood watch groups

• Family communication networks

These groups depend on reliable communication to coordinate during crises. Internet linking would enhance their ability to connect over long distances, improving overall effectiveness.

4. No Increased Risk of Interference

One of the primary concerns about repeater linking has been interference. However, properly configured internet-linked GMRS repeaters do not cause interference with other services or licensed users.

• Existing FCC Part 95 rules already regulate interference prevention.

• Modern internet linking methods use secure, digital connections that eliminate the risks associated with older analog systems.

Additionally:

•CTCSS/DCS codes allow users to filter unwanted transmissions.

• FRS channels (8–14) remain unaffected, as GMRS repeaters do not operate on those frequencies and have a max power of 0.5 watts. Radios need to have a fixed antenna to operate on this frequency. You would need to buy a walkie-talkie from an establishment that has a fixed antenna and is fine-tuned to be in compliance with the FCC, which still serves the initial purpose for short-range, uninterrupted comms without interference or traffic from repeaters or licensed GMRS holders.

• GMRS channels 1–7 are low-wattage simplex frequencies that are shared with FRS. Repeaters do not operate on these channels and won’t receive any interference. These channels are restricted to 5.0 watts, still serving the initial purpose for short-range communications with 3–7 miles max distance with obstructions. Clear line of sight will give you approximately 10–16 miles without building interference and other obstacles causing interference.

Amateur Radio and GMRS both successfully used linked repeaters for years without significant interference issues, proving that the technology is viable under proper safeguards.

5. Aligning GMRS with Modern Communication Needs

• Emergency situations often span large areas, requiring reliable long-distance communication.

• GMRS repeaters are often powered by backup systems, making them reliable during power outages.

• Internet linking would allow GMRS users to maintain critical communications even when local infrastructure is damaged. Updating the rule would make GMRS more effective for emergency responders, volunteers, and everyday users while preserving its intended purpose.

IV. CONCLUSION

The FCC has a history of updating rules to reflect technological advancements and public needs. Now is the time to update GMRS regulations to allow optional internet linking of repeaters under appropriate safeguards.

Key Points

• GMRS linked repeaters have operated successfully for nearly a decade before the recent enforcement crackdown.

• Linked repeaters supported community-building activities, including Kids’ Nets, CERT teams, and emergency response groups.

• Most linked GMRS repeaters were only connected on weekends for nets and operated in standalone mode during the week to reduce unnecessary radio traffic.

• GMRS repeaters do not interfere with FRS channels or exceed designated repeater frequencies.

We propose that if the FCC considers this rule change, it could include reasonable restrictions, such as:

• Allowing linking only on weekends, except during emergencies

• Permitting full-time linking only during disaster situations, returning to standalone operation afterward

This compromise would balance FCC concerns while preserving the benefits that internet linking provides to GMRS users.

We urge the FCC to work with the GMRS community to modernize regulations in a way that benefits public safety, emergency preparedness, and everyday communication.

Submitted By:Rielee Egan (WSCW462)

Donnie Whysong (WSCM904)

Caden Truhan (WSGW937)

Rielee.S.Egan2001@gmail.com

With support from GMRS users in Arizona, Texas, Florida, New York, and beyond