We have all become tethered to our cell phones and the Internet. They are the center of our communication with the outside world, supplanting landlines and pay phones. What if they go down or are overwhelmed in an emergency or disaster?
Two-way radios are the contingency systems in any good PACE, Primary-Alternate-Contingency-Emergency, communications plan. Radios are available for any budget, and can provide that peace of mind when normal communication methods fail.
Citizens Band Radio Service (26.965 – 27.405 Mhz)
Commonly known as CB, https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/citizens-band-radio-service-cbrs, this was made famous back in the dark ages, i.e. the 1970’s for some of you, with talk of truckers and convoys. It is still in use, divides up the frequency range into 40 channels, has an emergency channel, 9, and is free to use.
FRS/GMRS (462.5625 – 462.7250 Mhz)
Remember as a kid when you ran around with walkie-talkies? The modern day versions use the Family Radio Service (FRS), https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs, which provides 22 channels, aka frequencies), to talk on. They are short range and are free to talk on, requiring only basic etiquette so you don’t step on other people’s conversations.
Ground Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), is the big brother to FRS, uses the same channels, but has more power and the ability to use repeaters General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) | Federal Communications Commission. You are required to get a license and callsign, currently $35 for 10 years, which can be used by your entire family. GMRS also relies on basic etiquette so you don’t step on other conversations, and you should stay off the channel during emergency communications.
MURS (151-154 Mhz)
Multi-Use Radio Service https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/multi-use-radio-service-murs is similar to FRS/GMRS, is short range and free to use.
HAM (135 Khz – 275+ Ghz)
HAM radio is the grandfather of all civilian radio services. Frequencies are widespread and abundant, which lends itself to both short and long-range communications. How long? Try around the world long, bounce signals off the moon long, listen to and possibly talk to astronauts in the space station long.
The term HAM, not an acronym, whos origin is probably related to “ham-fisted”, i.e. bad, morse code senders. While you don’t need to know morse code anymore, it is still a popular communication method and is akin to learning a new language. You can use voice communications, and the ever-growing digital communications methods utilizing your computer.
The National Association for Amateur Radio, ARRL, https://www.arrl.org/, is the place to go if you are interested in getting licensed. QRZ, a Q-code meaning “Who is calling me?”, offers 50% discounts on select radios for new license holders, around $20, so getting into the hobby is relatively cheap. Low-cost handhelds are available online, Amazon and specialty radio shops, and run from $15 into the thousands.
There are HAM clubs all over the country, go visit them, sit in on meetings, Field Days, and other events to learn more.
FAQ
Can I buy a radio which will cover all the above radio services? No, FCC regulations do not permit that, plus, the radio would be prohibitively expensive.