Just to clarify, my comments only had to do with whether § 95.1733(a)(8) prohibits transmission of any audio received via "wireline" from a remote source, such as a voting receiver. It didn't concern the wisdom or other issues that impact the legality of linking or whether one can set up a node where the transmitter is keyed remotely over the same "wireline" link that carries the audio. The concerns Kirk expressed are legitimate. While there are technical ways of dealing with some of them -- such as lock-out receivers -- many people who set up links might not implement them. If one wants to set up a linked system, one should take all necessary steps to make sure that it operates legally. However, with any repeater, there's no guarantee that all repeater users will be able to hear all local users in the coverage area who might be using low power simplex. Similar issues exist with amateur radio systems. I'm not sure that "Prepers" etc., would want to depend upon an Internet linked system if they thought it through. Unless you are using independent RF links under your own control, VoIP isn't a very robust system during a calamity. KE6CD On 2019-02-11 12:31, Kirk Just Kirk wrote:
Here is a MAJOR problem.... "GMRS" is a SHARED channel.Each station is to LISTEN in carrier squelch before transmitting. Since this transmission does not extend over the VoIP circuit, distant stations can transmit on top of other local stations, not knowing they are on the channel.To be fully compliant, each GMRS node would have to listen on the channel for activity BEFORE keying up! All it would take is a written complaint against a linked GMRS machine to result in a violation, a NAL and a cease and desist letter. Inn reality, GMRS does not need distant linking to fulfill it's purpose. I know the "Preppers" and "Save the world" types are going to disagree....but thats the way it is.