Which two-way radio service is right for you?

Here’s something that I just wrote for a client. It’s not meant to be an in-depth article on different types of two-way radio systems, but I’d like to get your comments on it, especially the advantages and disadvantages of each service…..Dan

---

Choosing the right two-way radio can be confusing. You can’t just buy a couple of radios and start talking on them. Most two-way radio services require licensing of some sort, and radios designed to be used in those radio services must be certified by the FCC. The most popular two-way radio services are:

• Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS)

• General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

• Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

• Amateur Radio Service (ARS)

Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS)

The Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) is used by public safety agencies, utilities, railroads, manufacturers, and other businesses to meet many different communication needs. Frequencies include:

• 30 −50 MHz (Low Band or Low VHF Band)

• 150 −172 MHz (High Band or High VHF Band)

• 450 − 470 MHz ( UHF). Some urban areas have additional UHF frequencies from 470 − 490 MHz, and 490 − 512 MHz.

Low band radios have more range than VHF or UHF radios, but require larger antennas. VHF radios work well in outdoor environments, while UHF radios oten perform better in urban environments, inside buildings, and when both indoor and outdoor users must communicate with one another.

Commercial, public safety, and government users must obtain an FCC license to use PLMRS radios. When you obtain a license, you’re assigned particular frequencies, and the radios you use must be used only on those frequencies. The radios require an FCC Part 90 certification, and are not programmable by end users.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

The General Mobile Radio Service is a service available to personal (not commercial) users. GMRS uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.

To use GMRS radios, you need to apply for a license (no test required) that costs $70 for 10 years. This license covers the licensee and his or her immediate family members, and the licensee’s GMRS system may consist of one or more transmitting units (stations).

GMRS radios must be certified to FCC Part 95A or 95E specifications. They are generally preprogrammed to the GMRS channels and may include some Family Radio Service (FRS) channels.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

In the United States, the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is an unlicensed, two-way radio service similar to Citizens Band (CB). Established by the FCC in 2000, MURS radios have a power limit of 2 W, may not be connected to the public telephone network, or used with repeaters. This makes them suitable for only very short-range applications.

MURS radios require Part 95J certification and are generally locked to MURS channels only.

Amateur Radio Service

Amateur radio operators can use many different frequencies, including HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies. In the VHF and UHF range, the amateur radio bands include:

• 6 m: 50 – 54 MHz

• 2 m: 144 – 148 MHz

• 1.25 m: 222 – 225 MHz

• 70 cm: 420 – 450 MHz

• 33 cm: 902 – 928 MHz

To use amateur radio equipment, you need to pass a license test. More information about how to become a licensed radio amateur, can be found on the American Radio Relay League website. Radios used in the Amateur Radio service must at minimum be Part 15B certified.

Service	License?	Advantages	Disadvantages
Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS)	Yes	Multiple frequency ranges	Radios not programmable by end-user
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)	Yes. $70/10years.	Can be used with repeater for extended range	Short range Radios not programmable by end-user
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)	No		Very short range Radios not programmable by end-user
Amateur Radio Service (ARS)	Yes. Applicants must take a test.	Most versatile in terms of frequency availability and selection	Cannot be used for business purposes