Posted by C.W. -
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. The most popular types of personal radio services are Citizens Band Radio Service (CB), Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). 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.
Citizens Band Radio Service (CB)
CB service allows private, two-way radio communications for personal or business use. CB radios, used most frequently in vehicles and by truckers, can be purchased for between $70 and $200. There is no minimum age requirement to operate a CB radio. CB service operates on 40 shared channels on a “take-turns” basis, meaning no CB channel is assigned to any specific individual or organization. Users must never talk with another station for more than 5 minutes continuously, and must wait at least one minute before starting another communication.
Family Radio Service (FRS)
FRS allows two-way voice communications over 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. 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. 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. You can apply for a GMRS license on-line. The FCC sets license filing fees The current filing fee is $85. Licenses are granted for five years.
‹‹ Return To Index |
|
 |
