Background

Have you ever been in a place where you can’t use your wireless telephone—like skiing at higher altitudes, camping in a remote area, or even shopping at the mall? There are other wireless services that allow you to keep in touch—personal radio services.

A personal radio service is a short-range, low power radio transmission using a device or devices that operate much like walkie-talkies. Personal radio services include one and two-way voice services, data transmission, and transmissions that operate equipment by remote control. The most popular types of personal radio services are Citizens Band Radio Service (CB), Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), Low Power Radio Service (LPRS), and Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS). Of these types of personal radio services, only GMRS requires an FCC license to operate.

Personal radio services offer several benefits over other services. Devices generally are not very expensive, usually can be hand-held, and work without the need for transmission towers or other equipment. Some types of personal radio services, generally those that are authorized in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) portions of the radio spectrum, do not suffer from the static, noise, and fading that you may encounter using CB service or walkie-talkies. In addition, using a personal radio service requires no service contract or monthly fee.

Here’s more information about each of the most popular types of personal radio services:

Family Radio Service (FRS)

• FRS allows two-way voice communications over very very short distances, generally less than one-half mile. It is generally used by families or small groups to communicate while on group outings when group members are fairly close together, but can also be used in business-related settings.

• An FRS unit looks and works much like a walkie-talkie. Prices for FRS units vary depending on features and quality.

• If you have a dual-use, FRS-General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) unit, you may legally use only the FRS channels unless you have a GMRS license. The label on the unit or the operations manual should indicate the service the unit is certified for. FRS-only units transmit at lower power levels and have antennas that are integrated with the unit; GMRS units transmit at higher power levels and DO NOT have detachable antennas.

• You can operate your FRS unit anywhere in the U.S. and its possessions. Before using FRS in other countries such as Canada and Mexico, check to see if that country allows operation of FRS units. There is no minimum age requirement for operating an FRS unit.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

• GMRS is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance, two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult (18 years or older) and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and in-laws.

• GMRS Radios are NOT for Business Use, and such use is subject to very heavy fines.

• A GMRS system may legally be operated only with a license granted by the FCC. The individual licensee is responsible for the proper operation of the GMRS system.

• A GMRS system is made up of station operators and a mobile station consisting of one or more mobile units. It may also include one or more land stations. Some land stations operate as repeaters, thereby extending the range of GMRS mobile units.

• New GMRS licenses are granted only to individuals, but GMRS licenses granted to non-individuals and businesses) before July 31, 1987, can be renewed if certain conditions are met. You can apply for a GMRS license on-line at wireless.fcc.gov/uls/, or by filing FCC Form 605, available at
  wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=all_wireless_forms. The FCC fee is $85.00. Licenses are granted for five years.

Low Power Radio Service (LPRS)

• LPRS is a private, one-way short-distance communication service that allows stations to transmit voice data or signals for auditory assistance to people with disabilities, people who require language translation, and certain individuals in educational settings. LPRS also allows stations to transmit voice, data, or tracking signals for health care-related communications and certain law enforcement activities. Two-way communications are prohibited. LPRS can also be used for network control communications in the Automated Marine Telecommunications System (AMTS).

• LPRS transmitters can be operated anywhere in the United States. There is no minimum age requirement to operate an LPRS transmitter.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

• MURS is a private, two-way short-distance voice or data radio communications service used for personal or business activities. The service operates on five Very High Frequency VHF channels, originally set aside for business use, but subsequently made available for personal use.

• MURS users must cooperate in using the five channels to reduce interference to other users. No user has priority over any other user, but all users must yield to emergency communications. A MURS station may not operate as a repeater station, including store-and-forward packet radio operation, or a signal booster.

• Maximum allowable transmitter output power for a MURS unit is two watts. Transmission range between two hand-held units varies depending on the unit’s antenna height, terrain, and weather.

• These radios operate on only FIVE frequencies or Channels, they are 151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570, and 154.600 MHz
  , and again they are limited to TWO WATTS output power.

Unlicensed Radio Operation

Be aware that if you operate a radio transmitter that requires a license, or use a radio that is authorized for use only in a specific service, in another service, you may be fined or imprisoned, and/or the equipment may be confiscated, the fines are up to $10,000 and Six Months imprisonment for each day of violation, don't make make the headlines!

Mail Order and Big Box Store Radios

Be aware that although you may have legally purchased your radios from a Big Box store or Online vendor, these radios must be compliant in one of the services above, and must not be used for Business Purposes, other than the Low Power MURS use.

Commercial Two Way Radios do cost more, are more reliable, require a license, and provide for coordinated operation with other licensees. There is nothing wrong with the low cost radios for personal use, but Professional Users must use Professional Radios!