Do I Need a License to Use one of these Radios?
All radio spectrum is legislated or controlled. The FCC requires licenses to operate on some bands, and lets other frequency bands run unlicensed.
Radio Services Which Require a License
Some of the licensed radio services include:
| Acronym | Full Name | URL |
|---|---|---|
| HAM | Amateur | http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/ |
| GMRS | General Mobile Radio Service | http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/ |
Radio Services Which Do Not Require a License
Some of the unlicensed radio services include:
| Acronym | Full Name | URL |
|---|---|---|
| CB | Citizens Band | http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/cb/ |
| FRS | Family Radio Service | http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/family/ |
| MURS | Multi-Use Radio Service | http://www.provide.net/~prsg/murs_faq.htm |
While unlicensed, there are still restrictions placed on usage and equipment.
Obtaining Your Radio License
The process of gaining your Technicians License for the Amateur HAM bands is:
- Not difficult
- Educational
I recommend becoming licensed because it will increase your enjoyment of amateur radio.
For more information on obtaining your radio license, visit the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) at http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.htmlor go directly to the FCC’s Univeral Licensing System at http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/.
Scanners
In most cases, you do not need to be licensed to operate a scanner. Some juristictions place restrictions on scanner usage. “Mobile” usage (i.e., while in a vehicle) is prohibited in some areas. Check you local laws. Also, it is generally illegal to utilize a scanner “in the commision of a crime”.
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- Good Radios for Scanning
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- Types of Radio
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- FRS (Family Radio Service)
FRS (Family Radio Service) is an unlicensed service. FRS (Family Radio Service) consists of 14 UHF channels on FM. FRS Channel 1 is unofficially used as a common call channel. FRS (Family Radio Service) shares channels 1 through 7 with GMRS, and many FRS radios are also GMRS radios. The maximum allowable power for a [...]...
- GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a licensed radio service. GMRS consists of 16 UHF channels on FM, plus 7 channels that are shared with FRS. The maximum allowable power for a GMRS radio is 50 watts. The GMRS channels which are shared with FRS are limited to 5 watts of power. The use of [...]...
- CB (Citizens Band) Radio
CB (Citizens Band) Radio is an unlicensed service. CB Radio consists of 40 HF channels on AM and SSB. Channel 9 is designated for emergencies and assistance. The maximum allowable power for a CB radio is 5 watts. Repeaters are not allowed on CB radio. CB Radio Usage CB Radio is mainly utilized by truck [...]...