Thank you f or another good podcast. This one makes you go HMMM. I agree with the idea that the repeater owners sets the rules for his machine as long as they don’t contradict FCC regulations (not that I agree with everything FCC). As far as having an English only rule, Title 47, Chapter 1, Subchapter D, Part 95, Subpart E, in 95.1705 states: (b) Individual licensee responsibility. The holder of an individual license to operate GMRS stations is responsible at all times for the proper operation of the stations in compliance with all applicable rules in this part.
I can see an argument for English only because the licensee, being responsible at ALL Times for the proper operation of the station may not be able to understand what is being said in another language and therefore can’t insure that the applicable rules are being followed. The people speaking in another language could be selling goods or services or advertising a politician’s campaign…
It is also stated that a licensee may disallow the use of its GMRS repeater by specific persons as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this section. If you can’t understand what is being said you can’t carry out the said responsibilities.
(d)
Individual licensee duties. The holder of an individual license:
(1) Shall determine specifically which individuals, including family members, are allowed to operate (i.e., exercise operational control over) its GMRS station(s) (see paragraph (c) of this section);
(2) May allow any person to use (i.e., benefit from the operation of) its GMRS repeater, or alternatively, may limit the use of its GMRS repeater to specific persons;
(3) May disallow the use of its GMRS repeater by specific persons as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this section.
So, it isn’t just a case of “my repeater, my rules” it could be a “my repeater and I can be held responsible for making sure the rules set forth by the FCC are followed and I can’t do that if I don’t know what is being communicated” type of thing.
Also, the no politics or religion point is just a suggestion to maintain a polite community experience. The rule says GMRS stations must not communicate: Advertisements for a political candidate or political campaign (messages about the campaign business may be communicated).
Of course, I could be wrong about all of this…
Thanks for the podcast,
Sean