[FedCom] Federal Users -- FRS Versus ISR

[Ken]

Lots of questions, not many answers!!! ;) :)

Has ANYONE been able to verify WHO is using the new  1/2 Intersquad Radio 
(ISR) in the
396-399.9 mhz band?  See

http://www.monitoringtimes.com/html/mtairshow06.pdf#search=%22Monitoring%20Times%20%2B%20ISR%20radio%20frequencies%22 
for the 14 channel freq list for both ISR & FRS.

We do know that Civil Air Patrol has purchased a significant number of these 
ISR radios BUT it's unclear as to who else is actually operating on these 
frequencies.   Are there any non military federal agencies using these 
radios?

Additionally, since Family Radio Service  FRS radios are less expensive than 
the ISR radios, there's a possibility that federal agencies are using these 
radios.     The NTIA Redbook Chapter 7 (para 7..5.8) does allow federal 
agencies to use these frequencies 
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/redbook/7.pdf#search=%22Family%20Radio%20Service%20Federal%20Usage%22 
.   Also USAF current policy (AFI 33-118 "Electromagnetic Spectrum 
Management"   para 4.10) does allow FRS radios to be used for administrative 
purposes including warehouse operations, workcrews, etc.

This is an especially challenging monitoring project, since both radios 
systems are only 1/2 watt, portable, simplex operation, with a fixed "small" 
antenna  and at best the typical range will be under 1 mile.  So pehaps at 
least ISR frequencies could be placed in the scanner & if you have an FRS 
radio, just put that radio in the "scan mode"....

Comments public or private are always welcomed!!!

Ken