Resource Road Frequencies in Canada

[Ebbs]

Hey all,
So I've got a trip coming up going through BC and Alberta. We may hit some forest Service roads that are designated as Resource Roads and thus have a protocol for calling out at set KM's on a specific RR (Resource Road) channel.

I've been able to find the frequencies, they look to be outside my ham TX frequencies of 144–148, 430–450MHz (I do have the Mars Mod but can't figure out if that includes these frequencies or not)


I know I can RX on these frequencies, but if the expectation is I have to TX I think I'd have to by an LMR and get a separate license (can I even get a license in Canada as a non resident?). just curious of others experience/input. I live close enough that I'm not opposed to it if needs be, just wondering if I'm missing anything info that might help prevent running a 2nd radio/license just for the rare RR trip.

 

[Soundy106]

Hello, new here, came across this post while searching for something else, and while it's probably too late for you for this trip, maybe the information will be useful the next time, or for the next person.

The Resource Road radio system of 35 road channels and 14 loading channels is specific to BC, first implemented by the provincial government in 2015 to address the fact that road comms generally used the current operating company's assigned channel, and there was no real way for the general public, or sometimes even other industrial users, to know in advance the specific frequency in use on a given road at any given time. Licensing your radio for a particular company's frequency also means obtaining a letter of authorization from the company, then adding that to the paperwork to add their frequency to your license.

The RR channel system defined these standardized channels, defined the areas in which each applies and maps of those areas, created a set of common signage, and put them all under a "public" appendix of the radio regulations so anyone could add them to their license without the need of an LOA.

Being in the land mobile band means they're receive-only on a regular ham radio (totally legal, BTW). If your radio is MARS-modded, you're able to transmit on them as well, though not legally. I don't know if visitors can apply for the license, but a modded ham radio can't be licensed anyway; it's only legal on a type-approved land mobile (commercial/business) radio (in the US, that would be FCC part 90 approval).

Just make sure to follow the procedures, though, and nobody will hassle you. The most important thing to remember is that these are not "general chat" channels; they're intended for safety-related road comms (specifically, announcing the location of traffic on an FSR) and shouldn't be used for anything else. There's more info, plus links to official resources and the channel area maps, at 4wdabc.ca/communications#resource_roads

 

[Ebbs]

Hello, new here, came across this post while searching for something else, and while it's probably too late for you for this trip, maybe the information will be useful the next time, or for the next person.

The Resource Road radio system of 35 road channels and 14 loading channels is specific to BC, first implemented by the provincial government in 2015 to address the fact that road comms generally used the current operating company's assigned channel, and there was no real way for the general public, or sometimes even other industrial users, to know in advance the specific frequency in use on a given road at any given time. Licensing your radio for a particular company's frequency also means obtaining a letter of authorization from the company, then adding that to the paperwork to add their frequency to your license.

The RR channel system defined these standardized channels, defined the areas in which each applies and maps of those areas, created a set of common signage, and put them all under a "public" appendix of the radio regulations so anyone could add them to their license without the need of an LOA.

Being in the land mobile band means they're receive-only on a regular ham radio (totally legal, BTW). If your radio is MARS-modded, you're able to transmit on them as well, though not legally. I don't know if visitors can apply for the license, but a modded ham radio can't be licensed anyway; it's only legal on a type-approved land mobile (commercial/business) radio (in the US, that would be FCC part 90 approval).

Just make sure to follow the procedures, though, and nobody will hassle you. The most important thing to remember is that these are not "general chat" channels; they're intended for safety-related road comms (specifically, announcing the location of traffic on an FSR) and shouldn't be used for anything else. There's more info, plus links to official resources and the channel area maps, at 4wdabc.ca/communications#resource_roads

Yeah a little late for this specific trip, but I have several more planned this year. so it will definitely come in handy. I do have a HAM with the Mars mod, listening would be better than nothing. very much appreciate the reply and info!