This document provides an overview of various terrestrial two-way radio services regulated by the FCC, including amateur radio, citizens band radio, family radio service, and general mobile radio service. It discusses the intended uses, operating rules, frequency allocations, and typical capabilities of each service. The document also includes tables comparing the key aspects of each service and charts illustrating the practical communication ranges of different radio configurations.

1. Part I: An overview of terrestrial citizens radio services
regulated by the Federal Communications Commission
Two-Way Radio Services
in the United States
Presented by Joseph Ames, W3JY
Training & Safety Officer
ARES/RACES of Delaware Co. Penna.

2. 2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States
Two-Way Radio Services in the United States
An overview of terrestrial citizens radio services regulated by the Federal Communications Commission
Amateur Radio, Citizens Band, Land Mobile, FRS, GMRS, MURS
Edited by Joseph Ames ASM, AEC, OES, ORS
ARRL Inc, EPA Section
© 2008, 2012, 2013 Joseph Ames
About the author:
Joe Ames owns and operates amateur radio station W3JY. First licensed in 1977 he is active with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and
National Traffic System of the American Radio Relay League. His graduate studies were made at the Pennsylvania State University, the
University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University.

3. Table 1: Public Radio Services, Licensing & Regulatory Environment
2 Nov 2013 3Two-Way Radio Services in the United States
*“By Rule” means no operator or station license is required and none are granted. However, operators are required to comply with applicable FCC regulations.
1
Channels are restricted near US/Canadian border as certain frequenciesare used in Canada by other radio services.
2
Deviation is restricted per channel used.
3
Channels are assigned by application to FCC-designated "Frequency Coordinators"and are allocated by intended purpose/demonstrated need.
4
Maximum power determined by regulation based on required service area and antenna height.
5
Station construction permits required.
RadioService
AmateurRadio
Service
PersonalRadio
Service (GMRS)
PersonalRadio
Service (FRS)
Multi-UseRadio
Service (MURS)
Public Radio Service
(CB)
PrivateLand
Mobile Radio
AlternateNames
Ham Radio,
Wireless
General Mobile
RadioService
FamilyRadio Service "Color Dot" Citizens Band Business Band
"Color Dot"
IntendedUse
Enthusiasts,
Experimental
Business, Personal Personal Business, Personal,
Industrial
Business, Personal Business, Industrial,
Public Safety
FCC Regulations Part97 Part 95 A Part 95 B Part 95 J Part 95 D Part90 C
OperatingGrant Licensed Licensed By Rule * By Rule * By Rule * Licensed
LicenseTerm 10 years 5 years -- -- -- 10 years
FilingFee $25 $80 -- -- -- $210+ other fees
Authorized
Operations
International National National National National Assigned Territory
Frequency
Allocation
MF/HF/VHF/UHF/
SHF/EHF +
1.8 MHz – 250 GHz
in defined bands
(named by
wavelength)
UHF
462—467MHz
UHF
462—467MHz
VHF
151—154MHz
HF
26.9—27.4MHz
HF/VHF/UHF
25-50MHz
72-76 MHz
150-174MHz
421-512MHz
800/900/1430MHz
Channel
Assignments
Frequency Agile (no
restrictions)
23 1
(7 shared with FRS)
14 5 40 Numerous3
w/trunking
Interference Self-coordinated Shared Shared Shared Shared Shared (exc. PS)

4. Table 2: Public Radio Services: Regulated Capabilities
2 Nov 2013 4Two-Way Radio Services in the United States
RadioService
AmateurRadio
Service
PersonalRadio
Service (GMRS)
PersonalRadio
Service (FRS)
Multi-UseRadio
Service (MURS)
Public Radio Service
(CB)
PrivateLand
Mobile Radio
MaximumPower
1,500Woutput 50Wout mobile
15Wout fixed sta.
5W out. small base
5/0.5WERP W-T
0.5WERP 2W output 4W output
12WPEP (SSB)
1,000WHF
300WHF/VHF-Low
500WVHF-High 4
500WUHF + 4
TypicalPower 100W 0.5W 0.5W 2W 4W 5W-50W
Modes
AM,FM, SSB, CW,
Data, Video
FM FM AM,FM, Data AM,SSB AM,SSB, FM, Data
CTCSS/DCS X X X X -- X
Encryption -- -- -- -- -- X
Handheld X X X X X X
Mobile X X -- X X X
Base X X -- X X X 5
Repeaters X X -- -- -- X
PhonePatch X -- -- -- -- X
Antenna
Restrictions
None. (FAA and
municipalcodes
apply)
20' freestanding or
20' above
building/tree
Integrated,non-
modifiable
60' freestanding
20' above building
60' freestanding
20' above building
VARIOUS
RealisticRange Global Local (+) Line of Sight (+) Local (-) Local (-) Local (+)
TypicalCost of
Equipment
VARIES
<$100 entry-level
>$10,000premium
Commercialgrade:
$150hand held
$400mobile
Consumergrade:
>$10 walkie-talkie
Commercialgrade:
$100to $500
Consumergrade:
$60 - $200 mobile
<$100 walkie-talkie
Commercialgrade:
VARIOUS

5. Practical Range Comparison Charts
5
Range research of common two-way radio performance under field conditions
• Data based on field experience
• All station modes are compared (B2B, B2M, B2P, M2M, P2P)
• Graphs are approximate, numerics are accurate.
• Copyright HF Pack/HF Link, Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA
2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States

6. 6
The above graph shows the distance range between two base stations using a basic antenna mounted on the roof of a
suburban house with a height of about 20ft above ground level. Communication distance can be greatly improved over
this by advanced gain antenna systems or a high pole or a tower. This estimate is based upon radio-to-radio direct
communications without the use of a repeater.
Copyright HF Pack/HF Link, Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA
2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States

7. 7
The above graph shows the distance range between a mobile vehicle with a basic vehicle antenna, communicating with
a base station using a basic antenna mounted on the roof of a suburban house. Communication distance can be greatly
improved over this by advanced gain antenna systems or a high pole or a tower at the base station. The distance can
be adversely affected by interference from the vehicle engine; further distance can be achieved by parking on a hilltop
or open area and shutting off the vehicle. This estimate is based upon radio-to-radio direct communications without the
use of a repeater.
Copyright HF Pack/HF Link, Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA
2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States

8. 8
The above graph shows the distance range between two mobile vehicles with basic vehicle whip antennas.
Communication distance can be somewhat improved (25%to 50% further) over this on VHF and UHF by the use of a
gain antenna. The distance can be adversely affected by interference from the vehicle engine; further distance can be
achieved by parking on a hilltop or open area and shutting off the vehicle. This estimate is based upon radio-to-radio
direct communications without the use of a repeater.
Copyright HF Pack/HF Link, Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA
2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States

9. 9
The above graph shows the distance range between a pedestrian with a whip antenna and a mobile vehicle with a
basic vehicle whip antenna. HF backpack radios, HF packs, CB backpack radios, or manpack radios are compared with
Handy Talkies, Walkie Talkie, or HT radios. Communication distance can be somewhat improved (25%to 50% further)
over this on VHF and UHF by the use of a gain antenna on the vehicle. Distance on VHF will be somewhat less if a
smal rubber ducky antenna is used on the pedestrian radio instead of a full size antenna. The use of a counterpoise
radial wire on the pedestrian radio improves distance. This estimate is based upon radio-to-radio direct communications
without the use of a repeater.
Copyright HF Pack/HF Link, Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA
2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States

10. 10
The above graph shows the distance range between two pedestrian radios with whip antennas. Improved distance can
be achieved by standing in an open area or on a hilltop. HF backpack radios, HF packs, CB backpack radios, or
manpack radios are compared with Handy Talkies, Walkie Talkie, or HT radios. Distance on VHF will be somewhat less
if a small rubber ducky antenna is used instead of a full size antenna. The use of a counterpoise radial wire on the
pedestrian radio improves distance. This estimate is based upon radio-to-radio direct communications without the use
of a repeater.
Copyright HF Pack/HF Link, Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA
2 Nov 2013 Two-Way Radio Services in the United States

11. HF/Shortwave:
Shortwave Broadcasting
Amateur Radio
Military/Government
LF/MF: AM Broadcast
VHF/UHF:
FM Broadcast
Television
Microwaves

12. FRS / GMRS Comparative Frequency Assignments, F.C.C. Part 95 “Citizens Radio Service”
Radio
Channel
Frequency
Repeater Output
Frequency
Repeater Input
FRS
Channel
FRS
Output
GMRS
Channel
Motorola
Channel
GMRS
Output
Notes
01 462.5625 -- 1 500 mW 9 1 5 W Unofficial national calling channel
02 462.5875 -- 2 500 mW 10 2 5 W
03 462.6125 -- 3 500 mW 11 3 5 W
04 462.6375 -- 4 500 mW 12 4 5 W
05 462.6625 -- 5 500 mW 13 5 5 W
06 462.6875 -- 6 500 mW 14 6 5 W
07 462.7125 -- 7 500 mW 15 7 5 W
08 467.5625 -- 8 500 mW -- -- --
09 467.5875 -- 9 500 mW -- -- --
10 467.6125 -- 10 500 mW -- -- --
11 467.6375 -- 11 500 mW -- -- --
12 467.6625 -- 12 500 mW -- -- --
13 467.6875 -- 13 500 mW -- -- --
14 467.7125 -- 14 500 mW -- -- --
15 462.5500 467.5500 -- -- 1 15 50 W
16 462.5750 467.5750 -- -- 2 16 50 W
17 462.6000 467.6000 -- -- 3 17 50 W
18 462.6250 467.6250 -- -- 4 18 50 W
19 462.6500 467.6500 -- -- 5 19 50 W Do not use near Canadian border
20 462.6750 467.6750 -- -- 6 20 50 W
Unofficial emergency/traveler assistance
channel (Use PL 141.3)
21 462.7000 467.7000 -- -- 7 21 50 W Do not use near Canadian border
22 462.7250 467.7250 -- -- 8 22 50 W
Note: Red text indicates F.C.C. licensed operation only.
Note on GMRS repeater assignments: Eight (8) additional frequencies are available to GMRS for use
only as repeater inputs. Commercial equipment and owner permission is required to access them.
Note on Motorola channel numbering: Be aware Motorola assigns GMRS channel numbers to coincide
with FRS assignments. This is at odds with the standard F.C.C. channel numbering scheme.
Note on Midland’s “Extra Channels”: These are standard FRS/GMRS channels with precoded PL tones