Media Contact: Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587 cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC MODERNIZES PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES RULES — WASHINGTON, May 18, 2017 – Today, the FCC took steps to update the Personal Radio Services rules, also known as Part 95 of the Commission’s rules, in order to modernize them, remove outdated requirements, and reorganize them to make it easier to find information. Significantly, as part of this effort, the FCC addressed more than two dozen proposals submitted by interested parties. Today’s action will result in a more consistent, clear, and concise set of rules that will better serve the needs of the public.
The FCC Personal Radio Services rules cover a wide variety of wireless devices that are used by the general public. These devices generally use low power levels, communicate over shared radio frequencies, and usually do not require an individual FCC license for each user. Some common examples of Personal Radio Services devices are walkie-talkies; radio control toy cars, boats, and planes; hearing assistance devices; CB radios; medical implant devices; and Personal Locator Beacons. The revisions adopted today reflect a comprehensive reform that will simplify, streamline, and update these rules. These changes will ensure that these rules reflect technological advances, recognize the 21st century uses of the Personal Radio Services, and are easy for the public to use and understand.
Specific reforms adopted in today’s Report and
Order include: GMRS/FRS Reform: The Commission will increase the number of communications channels for both General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service (FRS), expand digital capabilities to GMRS, and increase the power/range for certain FRS channels to meet consumer demands for longer range communications.
CB Reform: The Commission will update the Citizens Band (CB) rules, which are decades old and contain outdated requirements that are no longer needed, including labeling requirements and a limit on use of channels when conditions allow long range communications. The Commission will also clarify that hands-free devices can be used with CB radios.
Overall rule reform: The Commission will remove outdated and unnecessary rules, change other rules to increase clarity and reduce potential confusion, and reorganize and streamline all Part 95 rules to make them easier to understand.
The Commission will also convert rules to plain language format to make them more user-friendly. Action by the Commission May 18, 2017 by Report and Order (FCC 17-57). Chairman Pai, and Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate statements. WT Docket No. 10-119; RM No. 10762; RM No. 10844 ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974)
Source:Link
Antenna
Adding topband to a full sized elevated 80m vertical and putting N6LF’s QEX data to the test This antenna started out as an 80m vertical – with160m capability added as a secondary consideration. In reflection, I’m v... Read more
Review
![Coaxial Cable vs Balanced Lines – “ARRL The Doctor is In“ [PODCAST]](https://qrznow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Coaxial-Cable_-274x173.jpg)
“Coaxial Cable vs Balanced Lines” is the topic of the current (November 23) episode of the “ARRL The Doctor is In“ podcast. Listen…and learn! More than a half-million downloads since its debut in April 2016 attest to the podcast’s p... Read more
![Kenwood TH-D74 [ APRS SETUP ]](https://qrznow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/th-d74_vhf-90x60.jpg)
News
Hurricane Watch Net Wraps Up Marathon Activation for Two Storms
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) just stood down from another extended session — 71 hours of continuous operation — for Hurricane Paulette and Hurricane... Read more
FIRST CUBESAT SATELLITE DEVELOPED BY BRAZILIAN COMPANY FINISHES ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS
The Engineering Model, the first development model, of the NANOMIRAX / CRON-1 nanosatellite carried out its environmental testing campaign at the Inte... Read more
Marconi Day Award
Marconi Day Award The Calabria DX Team has once again organized Marconi Day and Award for the second year. The following accredited stations... Read more
SDRplay has added sample IQ files to their website
IQ Demo Files Here you can find off air IQ recordings for you to check your SDRuno and related software settings for a variety of different situations... Read more
Attention Turns to Tropical Storm Sally after Hurricane Paulette Hits Bermuda
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) said this morning that it will continue to gather any reports from Bermuda in the wake of Hurricane Paulette, which made... Read more