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PRA members in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles County, Maryland are listening for a bus company heard using 457.575 MHz. Although not a GMRS channel this frequency is important to GMRS.  A search of the FCC ULS produced no school or bus service authorized to use 457.575 in Maryland or Virginia.  This frequency is one of those allocated to foreign ships while in US waters under international treaty and FCC Rules. Technically it is an FCC Part 90 business frequency that requires coordination and an FCC business radio license. We are assuming based on the ULS search that these users are unlicensed.

When the frequency is occupied by American pirates (unlicensed users) it could have the effect of crowding away foreign ships onto GMRS.   Ships might then be inclined to use GMRS channels causing FSI-Foreign Shipping Interference. The licensed users of 457.575 MHz  in Maryland are mostly very low power telemetry systems controlling sprinklers on golf courses. Hospitals are also among other licensed users. The busses using this frequency could also be causing severe interference to these coordinated and licensed users.

GMRS licensees in Calvert County are encouraged to monitor  457.575 and report strong signal strengths of bus related traffic to PRA HQ. On-the-air references to Hallowing Point Trailer Park on Route 231 were heard as were bus numbers 3, 27, 49, 87, 99, 120, and 125, A female’s name that is used frequently is Rene. Radio traffic is regarding the loading and dispatching of buses.  A  quickly obtained  directional antenna bearing  was toward Route 231 from  Plum Point, MD.

Once identified the company’s activity will be reported to the Federal Communications Commission.