Re: Communications Equipment (licensing of radio frequencies)

A further clarification on use of business band radio equipment: Some of
the current equipment being sold in electronics stores such as Radio
Shack, et al, requires no licensing, because there are certain "public
access" channels on itinerant frequencies which are allocated for the use
of low power portable radios, both in the UHF and VHF bands. When you
purchase this equipment, that is noted in the flyer that comes with the
gear.

However, if you choose to purchase radios with higher power and on other
business channels, Randy's comments are certainly correct. You MUST file
for a business band license. This can be either done through NABERS which
acts as a coordinating agency, or if you are educated on requirements for
filing for a license, you can do it yourself. Local Communications
Equpment dealers (who may also be Scouters) will sometimes volunteer to
help you.

Itinerant channels are also available in both bands which means you can
operate your radios on trips and tours anywhere in the U.S. without
concern for local operating restrictions, so it would be well to also
license on at least one itinerant channel for that purpose.

Some Summer Camps also maintain VHF and UHF business radio frequencies and
equipment which can be loaned to units during the off-season if the
council chooses to do that; but your best bet is have your own system for
your unit, then it is always available when you need it.

Hope this clarifies the licensing issue a little more.

Best wishes

Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, Boulder, CO

On Tue, 4 Nov 1997, Randy Moyers 1355 6051 wrote:

> Hi All:
> A word of caution in purchasing/using communications equipment. The frequencies
> on which that equipment operates (spectrum) is regulated by the Federal
> Communications Commission (FCC). Different frequencies are assigned different
> uses and the right to legally use those frequencies is controlled. Many of
> these frequencies are also controlled geographically..

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