Five radio services compared
| Service | License | Max power | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRS | None | 2 W | Store-bought walkie-talkies, kids, short range |
| GMRS | $35, no test, family | 50 W | Family plans, farms, repeaters |
| CB | None | 4 W (AM) | Truckers, older farm radios |
| MURS | None | 2 W (VHF) | Ranch and business use, 5 channels |
| Ham | $35 + exam | Up to 1,500 W | Long distance, emergency networks |
Sources: Midland: FRS, GMRS, CB, ham differences; FCC
Why GMRS fits a family
One license
Covers spouse, children and more
No exam
Anyone in the family can use it today
Talks to FRS
Neighbors' cheap walkie-talkies share channels 1–22
Repeaters and power
Up to 50 W and access to towers
When to add another
Add ham radio if you want
- Statewide or worldwide reach
- Connection to emergency nets
- More bands and more learning
Keep a CB if you want
- To hear truckers on the highway
- Road and traffic news during evacuations
- Channel 19 is the trucker channel
Remember
GMRS for the family, ham for the long haul, CB for the highway.
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Answer key
- Which service needs a license but no exam?GMRSGMRS: $35, no test, covers the family.
- What is the maximum FRS power?2 WFRS radios are limited to 2 W.
- Which radio service requires passing an exam?Ham (amateur)Ham radio requires an exam plus the $35 FCC fee.
- CB channel 19 is known as:The trucker channelTruckers use CB 19, handy for road news during an evacuation.
- What is GMRS's maximum power for mobile and base radios?50 WMobile and base GMRS stations can run up to 50 W on the main channels.