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Unified Radio Group

Code of Ethics & Operating Guidelines

Revised: August 2026

This Code of Ethics & Operating Guidelines (“Code”) applies to members and authorized users of Unified Radio Group (“URG”) communications systems, including participating GMRS and Amateur Radio repeater facilities. It supplements the URG Master GMRS & Amateur Radio Membership Agreement and applicable repeater-specific rules.

 

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

URG provides club-based communications resources intended to promote responsible radio operation, fellowship, technical education, preparedness, and emergency communications. Participating repeater systems may be available 24/7, subject to maintenance, technical limitations, emergency operations, FCC requirements, and URG authorization policies.

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2. MEMBERSHIP AND AUTHORIZED USE

Repeater access is a club/network privilege and is not automatically created by possession of a radio, a frequency, a CTCSS/PL tone, a DCS code, or a programming file. Where a URG repeater is designated as a member-only or authorized-user facility, only current URG members and other specifically authorized users may use that facility, subject to the applicable FCC rules and the authority of the repeater licensee.

 

The membership category selected at registration determines the membership status and applicable club benefits. Contributions or dues are not a purchase of radio airtime, spectrum, frequency access, or ownership of any repeater or radio resource.

 

3. CORE PRINCIPLES

Respect & Courtesy:  Treat all operators with patience, professionalism, and respect.

Responsibility: Operate lawfully, follow this Code, and comply with the FCC rules applicable to the service being used. Preparedness: Help keep network resources clear, reliable, and available for emergency communications.

Integrity: Identify truthfully, use authorized equipment and access, and never intentionally interfere with another station.

Confidentiality & Security: Protect restricted system information, programming, and access details.

 

4. GMRS LICENSING AND AUTHORIZED OPERATION

A valid FCC GMRS authorization is required to operate a GMRS station. A GMRS licensee may authorize operation by the immediate family members specified by FCC rules. Separately, the GMRS repeater licensee may allow any person to benefit from the repeater or may restrict repeater use to specific persons. URG may therefore designate its GMRS repeaters as member-only or otherwise authorized-user facilities.

 

Members must keep their GMRS license information current with URG when required for network authorization. A member must not knowingly permit an unauthorized person to exercise operational control of a GMRS station except where FCC rules permit emergency operation.

 

GMRS identification: transmit the FCC-assigned call sign at the end of a transmission or series of transmissions, and after 15 minutes and at least every 15 minutes thereafter during a series lasting more than 15 minutes. A unit number may be included. URG may encourage members to additionally identify with a first name or approved handle for courtesy, but the FCC call sign is the required legal station identification.

 

5. AMATEUR RADIO LICENSING AND OPERATION

A member using an Amateur Radio repeater must hold the appropriate FCC Amateur Radio operator authorization and operate within the privileges of the control operator. The control operator is responsible for the proper operation of the station. URG may restrict a repeater to current URG members or other specifically authorized users.

 

Amateur identification: transmit the assigned call sign at the end of each communication and at least every 10 minutes during a communication. Do not transmit unidentified communications or use another station's call sign.

 

6. GENERAL OPERATING CONDUCT

  • Be polite and courteous; experience levels vary.

  • Do not harass, threaten, intimidate, or deliberately provoke other operators.

  • Do not transmit obscene, profane, abusive, fraudulent, or unlawful communications.

  • Do not intentionally interfere with another station or repeatedly key the repeater without a legitimate purpose.

  • Do not transmit music, sound effects, or other prohibited entertainment content on GMRS; Amateur Radio operators must also comply with Part 97 restrictions.

  • Do not transmit false or deceptive messages.

  • Do not use coded or hidden-meaning communications where prohibited by the applicable service rules.

  • Do not use the network to advertise or offer goods/services where prohibited by the applicable FCC service rules.

  • Assume radio traffic can be overheard; do not transmit passwords, financial information, medical information, or other private information.

 

7. REPEATER USAGE

  • Listen before transmitting and wait for a pause before joining an active conversation.

  • After keying the microphone, pause briefly before speaking to allow the repeater to activate and avoid clipped audio.

  • Enable Busy Channel Lockout (BCL) when practical and supported by the radio.

  • Avoid monopolizing the repeater. Leave reasonable pauses between transmissions.

  • If you are within reliable simplex range and are having an extended conversation, move to an appropriate simplex channel when practical.

  • Avoid unnecessary “kerchunking,” tone testing, repeated short key-ups, or other activity that needlessly occupies the system.

  • Use “BREAK” or “BREAK BREAK BREAK” for urgent/emergency traffic, not for routine conversation.

  • Yield immediately to emergency traffic.

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8. NETWORK SECURITY AND ACCESS INFORMATION

Repeater frequencies, CTCSS/PL tones, DCS codes, programming files, network architecture, control information, site details, and other technical access information may be designated as restricted URG information. Members shall not intentionally distribute restricted information to persons who are not authorized to use the applicable facility.

 

This rule is an URG access policy and does not override any FCC requirement to make information available to the FCC or other lawful authority.

 

9. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Emergency and life-safety traffic receives priority. When emergency traffic is present, routine conversations shall yield the channel immediately. Keep emergency traffic clear, concise, factual, and relevant.

 

When possible, contact 911 or the appropriate public-safety agency first. The URG network is a supplemental communications resource and does not replace 911 or public-safety communications systems.

 

Members should assist when capable and should avoid transmitting unnecessary traffic during an emergency. Unauthorized persons may use a GMRS station when permitted by FCC rules to communicate an emergency message.

 

10. SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, REPORTING, AND ENFORCEMENT

No guarantee is made regarding repeater uptime, coverage, or availability. URG and applicable licensees may add, remove, update, relocate, reconfigure, or temporarily disable repeaters for technical, operational, safety, emergency, regulatory, or maintenance reasons.

 

Members should report suspected interference, technical problems, unauthorized access, or serious rule violations to URG leadership or the designated control operator. Reports should be factual and respectful.

 

URG and/or the applicable repeater licensee or control authority may restrict, suspend, or revoke network access for violations of this Code, the Membership Agreement, FCC rules, or repeater-specific rules. Immediate action may be taken when necessary to prevent harmful interference, protect equipment, address an emergency, or maintain regulatory compliance.

 

11. MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By participating in a URG network facility, the Member acknowledges that the Member has received, read, and agrees to follow this Code, the URG Membership Agreement, applicable repeater-specific rules, and the FCC rules applicable to the radio service being used.

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  • I agree to operate responsibly and courteously.

  • I understand that repeater access is an authorization/club privilege, not ownership of a frequency or repeater.

  • I understand that my membership category is determined at registration under the separate URG membership schedule.

  • I understand that GMRS and Amateur Radio have different FCC rules and I am responsible for knowing which rules apply to my transmission.

  • I understand that access may be suspended or revoked for violations.

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