June 22nd 04, 12:20 AM
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Radio Amateur KC2HMZ wrote in
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On 21 Jun 2004 21:42:13 GMT, (Len Over 21) wrote:
No need. There's a cellular telephone subscription for one
out of three U.S. citizens according to the U.S. Census
Bureau. (cellphones are not Part 15 devices) CB radios
number somewhere between 2 and 5 MILLION, estimated
by NTIA. (CB is not under Part 15) I don't know how
many FRS/GMRS HTs have been sold, but they are
regular consumer electronics items as consumer electronics
stores and are good for 5 to 10 miles communications
range. (FRS isn't under Part 15 either)
One-way communications has been provided in emergencies
for decades by broadcasting (also not under Part 15). In real
emergencies the Public Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS)
radios have been invaluable for local government and utility and
medical aid agencies. (PLMRS isn't under Part 15).
I think maybe you're half right, Len. believe it or not, even my ham
rigs are Part 15 devices and come with the usual Part 15 warning
sticker on them.
They are only under Part 15 for unwanted radiated emmissions, i.e. RF
leakage from the case.
The transmitter on cell phones (which are radios, not telephones), CB
rigs, FRS/GMRS/PLMRS radios, and ham rigs are covered under those
portions of FCC regulations that authorize the user to operate the
transmitter (part 95 for CB, part 97 for ham, etc.).
However, the receiver portion of the device is covered under Part 15.
It is very inaccurate to state anyone has "insisted unlicensed
devices play a 'major' role" in emergencies. Those radios
ARE used by emergency communications groups in real emergencies.
As I said, I did not see the original posts, but I am aware of
instances where such equipment is used by governmental and emergency
services personnel, as well as by ARES/RACES and other "civilian"
EmComm groups (like REACT).
73 DE John D. Kasupski
Tonawanda, New York, USA
Amateur Radio (KC2HMZ), HF/VHF/UHF Monitoring (KNY2VS)
Member ARATS, ARES, RACES, WUN
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