FAQ'S
 
Does the FCC actually pick who can or can't provide frequency coordination services?”

 No. The FCC has made it abundantly clear that they do not pick and choose who can provide coordination services. Rather, the FCC rules state the following:

  • 47 CFR, Ch 1, Federal Communications Commission 97.3(22):
    • Frequency coordinator. An entity, recognized in a local or regional area by amateur operators whose stations are eligible to be auxiliary or repeater stations, that recommends transmit/receive channels and associated operating and technical parameters for such stations in order to avoid or minimize potential interference.
  • Additionally, in an ARRL Executive Committee Meeting, it was stated by Chris Imlay, General Counsel for the ARRL that “FCC rules and policies do not rule out the possibility of there being more than one [frequency coordinator for a given geographic area].”
 
Does the ARRL have anything to do with Frequency Coordination?

The ARRL is not a Frequency Coordinator, nor does the ARRL "certify" coordinators. Frequency Coordinators are volunteers normally appointed by a coordinating body. The ARRL reports only the fact of coordination or non-coordination as instructed by the coordinating body. Publication of coordinator information by the ARRL does not constitute nor imply endorsement or recognition of the authority of such coordinators, as coordinators derive their authority from the voluntary participation of the entire amateur community in the areas they serve. Frequency Coordinators keep extensive records of repeater input, output and control frequencies, including those not published in directories (at the owner's request). The coordinator will recommend frequencies for a proposed repeater in order to minimize interference with other repeaters and simplex operations. Therefore, anyone considering the installation of a repeater should check with the local frequency coordinator prior to such installation.
 
Why was the MRCGA created?

The MRCGA was created because the other area coordinators refuse to issue coordination unless there model says so, and take no input whatsoever from applicants. 
Here is an example;
1. An application for coordination is submitted for a VHF repeater.
2. Coordinator says no frequency pairs are available, so onto the waiting list you go.
3. The applicant puts up a repeater in the meantime and selects a frequency pair (un-coordinated)
4. The application has now been on hold for 24 months, and the uncoordinated repeater is on the air for 15 months.
5. The applicant notifies the coordinators that they have been running a repeater for 15 months with no complaints of interference.
6. The applicant ask's if coordination on this frequency is possible since its been running for 15 months with no complaints.
7. The coordinator says only THEY can pick a frequency pair, and you just can't arbitrarily pick a frequency to use.
8. The coordinator never gives a logical explanation why the frequency pair that you have been using for 15 months, incident free is no good.
9. This is where MRCGA will consider coordination if an application for such is received.
   
Will the MRCGA re-coordinate all the frequencies pairs that have been already coordinated?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!  The MRCGA will ONLY coordinate frequencies when another repeater can exist within the uncoordinated area.
 
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