(800) 571-GMRS (4677)
PART FOUR in our series on FCC Licensing:
It is commonly accepted that all radio communications, for any purpose, require an FCC license. As mentioned in our other posts, there are a couple notable exceptions:
License-free Digital Technology – Operating in the digital 900 MHz ISM license-free band, radios operating on Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) require no FCC license. These radios have limited range, but for their small size and high level of privacy they are a popular choice for small businesses with a limited geographic coverage requirement: for example just around the office or warehouse.
MURS – The Multi-Use Radio System uses channels in the 151-154 MHz range. The most common use of MURS channels is for short-distance, two-way communications using portable hand-held radios. MURS can be used for any legal purpose by any individual or business. The communication range achievable on MURS is limited by the low power output of radios made for use in this service. There are only 5 shared channels available to MURS users, making the service congested and limiting security.
FRS – Known as the Family Radio Service, FRS radios are governed by the same section of the FCC Rules (Part 95) as MURS and GMRS. FRS has 22 channels available for use (15 low power and 7 very low power). Many of those channels are shared with licensed GMRS radio users. Radios operating on FRS are required to have non-removable antennas and are – by design – not allowed to use repeaters. The combination of the aforementioned features is what makes FRS practal for only short distance use. The short range and inability to use repeaters is why FRS was set up by the FCC as an unlicensed radio service. Sharing of the spectrum with GMRS makes FRS extremely succeptible to receive interference from and cause interference to GMRS radio systems and users. Although FRS is not restricted from use by businesses, we do not recommend it’s use. Here’s why.
Radios Across America LLC is a full-service two-way radio dealer you can trust. We can help not only with Frequency Coordination and Licensing, but provide a wide variety of radios for pretty much any business. Give us a call at (800) 571-GMRS (4677) or drop us a line through our contact page.