FRS Radios
Family Radio Service (FRS) radios are small two-way radios, much like walkie-talkies, for talking with family and friends over short distances. They are handy where cell phones do not work or are inconvenient: on a camping trip when the kids go off on a hike, on the ski slopes, on the water, or around a large event. There is no airtime charge, no contract and no per-call fee.
No license needed
The FCC licenses FRS "by rule", which means you do not need an individual license to use an FRS radio as long as you follow the rules. People of any age can use one, for personal or business use. FRS radios must be FCC-certified and may not be modified.
Channels and power
FRS has 22 channels in the 462 MHz and 467 MHz range. Power limits vary by channel:
| Channels | Maximum power |
|---|---|
| 1 to 7 and 15 to 22 | 2 watts |
| 8 to 14 | 0.5 watts |
No channel belongs to anyone. Users are expected to listen before talking and share. All 22 FRS channels are shared with the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), so you may hear GMRS users. GMRS requires an FCC license.
How far will they reach?
Packaging often advertises ranges of 20, 30 or more miles. Those figures assume ideal conditions, such as an unobstructed line of sight between mountaintops. In everyday use, hills, trees, buildings and even your body block the signal. The FCC says the usual range on the low-power channels 8 to 14 is less than half a mile, with longer range possible on the 2-watt channels depending on conditions. Plan on far less than the box claims.
FRS or GMRS?
Radios once sold as combined FRS/GMRS models are no longer certified as dual-service devices. Under current rules, a radio that stays within FRS channels and power limits is an FRS radio and needs no license. A radio with more power, or with certain additional 467 MHz channels, is a GMRS radio and needs a GMRS license to operate beyond FRS limits.
Features to compare
Motorola, Midland, Cobra, Uniden and others make FRS radios. When comparing models, look at:
- Battery type and life, and whether it uses rechargeable or standard batteries.
- Weather radio reception and alerts, useful outdoors.
- Privacy codes, which filter out other groups on the same channel. They do not make your conversation private; anyone on the channel can still hear you.
- Water resistance and ruggedness for outdoor use.
- Large buttons for use with gloves, a flashlight, call tones and hands-free headset support.
Sources
- FCC: Family Radio Service (FRS)
- eCFR: 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart B, Family Radio Service
- FCC consumer guide: Personal Radio Services