Many persons initially become involved in GMRS using non-repeater-capable radios. Many "upgrade" to repeater operations when they discover that local repeaters are available, and that some repeater-capable GMRS transceivers are no more expensive (and sometimes even less expensive) than those without this capability.
There are approximately 3500 repeaters authorized or operating in the GMRS. Information about their operations is in PRSG's flagship publication, the "GMRS National Repeater Guide."
Constructing, installing and managing a GMRS repeater system is a task demanding of financial resources and time. Many of the management techniques and hardware used in the other Private Land Mobile Radio Services (PLMRS in FCC Part 90) and in the Amateur Radio Service (FCC Part 97) are inappropriate for use in the GMRS. Some management hardware is actually illegal to use with a GMRS repeater.
The PRSG newsletter, the "Personal Radio Exchange," has discussed repeater management in past issues, and will focus on them extensively in the immediate future. We expect that the next round of FCC rulemaking will begin in late 2001, and may consider further rules changes that will significantly impact every GMRS repeater in the country.
This Repeater Management Page is a starting point for those who wish to understand the sometimes controversial policy issues involved in managing a GMRS repeater. We also encourage repeater operators and users to subscribe to our PRE newsletter. It will be the primary distribution medium for information about these changes in FCC Rules.
Below are listed the linked discussions and publications available through the PRSG web site concerning repeater management issues: