GMRS Radio

Available to everyone without an exam

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a two-way radio service designed for short distance communications. It requires a license by the FCC here in the US. 

GMRS operates on UHF providing 30 channels in the frequency range of 462 to 467 MHz. 16 of the main channels are used for repeaters and radio-to-radio communications. 

There are an additional 14 channels in-between the main channels used by handhelds. These channels are limited in power to less than 5 watts, and used for handhelds. The main channels can transmit up to 50 watts. 

Family Radio Service (FRS) are handheld radios commonly sold at stores everywhere, and do not require a license. They operate on some of the same frequencies as GMRS, and in fact GMRS radios can communicate with FRS radios, and vice versa, but there are some limitations. 

GMRS radios cannot legally transmit on amateur radio frequencies or CB radio frequencies. 

GMRS Licensing

One license covers the entire family, and does not require any exams. There is a small fee from the FCC for the license. 

A license is valid for 10 years, at which time you must apply for a renewal. 

Here is the cool part about GMRS - you can use a repeater with GMRS. In fact there are many popping up now in cities. Many install repeaters in their RVs with mobile units in their ATVs and 4x4s. 

This is perfect for camping, allowing family members to reach back to the main camp. 

When used with handhelds, GMRS radios are very useful in tactical situations. During Helene, a lot of search and rescue, as well as welfare checks were done using GMRS handheld radios communicating back to a “command center” setup someplace. This allowed anyone to assist in the operations without having an amateur radio license or emergency services radio (during most catastrophes, emergency service radio service is unavailable). During many events such as parades and marathons, GMRS is used to communicate throughout the event. 

The command center can then be equipped with amateur radio for long range HF communications. This is actually becoming a common tactical technique and many amateur radio operators are embracing GMRS as a supplemental resource.