Radio Services
There are many different types of radios, each designed for specific uses, such as talking with family, coordinating work, or communicating during emergencies. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets rules for how these radios can be used, including which frequencies are allowed and whether a license is required.
This guide explains the most common radio services, what they are used for, and their frequencies. Remember, just because you can listen to a frequency does not mean you are allowed to transmit on it.
Radio Services
Understanding Radio Licenses: Some radio services can be used without a personal FCC license, while others require one. Certain services are limited to authorized users or organizations. Regardless of licensing requirements, you must use equipment and frequencies permitted for that service.
Personal & Community Communications
Family Radio Service
462–467 MHz · UHFFamily Radio Service (FRS) provides short-range communication for families, outdoor activities, and small groups. It uses 22 shared channels and does not require an individual FCC license. FRS radios have built-in antennas and cannot use repeaters.
Multi-Use Radio Service
151–154 MHz · VHFMulti-Use Radio Service (MURS) provides short-range communication for personal, recreational, and business activities. It uses five VHF channels and does not require an individual FCC license. External antennas are permitted, but repeaters are not allowed.
Citizens Band Radio
26.965–27.405 MHz · HFCitizens Band (CB) radio provides communication for travelers, truck drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and businesses. It uses 40 shared channels and does not require an individual FCC license. CB radios support AM, FM, and single-sideband communication without repeaters.
General Mobile Radio Service
462–467 MHz · UHFGeneral Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) provides personal and family communications using handheld radios, mobile radios, and repeaters. An FCC license is required and generally covers eligible immediate family members. GMRS shares channels with FRS but permits higher-power equipment and repeaters for extended coverage.
Amateur Radio
Multiple HF, VHF, UHF and microwave bandsAmateur radio allows licensed operators to communicate locally, across the country, and around the world. It is used for personal communication, technical experimentation, education, and volunteer public service, including emergency communications. Available frequencies and operating privileges depend on the operator’s FCC license class.
LoRa / Mesh Communications
Low-power digital communications · 902–928 MHzLoRa is a low-power radio technology used to send text messages, location information, and other small amounts of data over long distances. Systems such as Meshtastic and MeshCore use LoRa to communicate without cellular service or internet access. Although they can use similar equipment, they operate as separate networks with different messaging and routing methods.
Meshtastic
Meshtastic lets compatible radios exchange messages and location information without cell service or internet access.
Network: A distributed mesh where participating devices can relay messages. Dedicated repeaters are not required.
Messaging: Group channels, direct messages, and location sharing.
Common uses: Outdoor recreation, position reporting, community communication, and experimentation.
Meshtastic Website
MeshCore
MeshCore lets compatible radios exchange messages directly or through a network of dedicated repeaters without cell service or internet access.
Network: User devices communicate directly or through repeaters that forward messages along network paths.
Messaging: Public channels, private messages, and optional room servers for stored messages.
Common uses: Community messaging, fixed repeater networks, group coordination, and experimentation.
MeshCore WebsiteMeshtastic and MeshCore use LoRa technology but are separate systems. Devices require compatible firmware and radio settings to communicate.
Commercial & Transportation
Business Band
Commercial Land Mobile Radio · FCC Part 90Business radio systems provide communication for companies, organizations, transportation services, and commercial operations. They allow employees to coordinate daily activities using frequencies authorized for their organization. FCC licensing requirements, equipment, and operating privileges depend on the specific system.
Marine Radio
156–162 MHz · Marine VHFMarine radio provides communication between boats, ships, coastal stations, and maritime authorities. It is used for navigation, vessel coordination, safety information, and emergency communications. Marine VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel.
Aviation Radio
118–137 MHz · VHF AirbandAviation radio provides communication between pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport personnel. It is used to coordinate aircraft movements, manage air traffic, share weather information, and support emergency communications. Most civilian aviation voice communications use AM radio in the VHF airband.
Railroad Radio
160–162 MHz · VHFRailroad radio provides communication between train crews, dispatchers, and yard personnel. It is used to coordinate train movements, switching operations, track maintenance, and railroad safety. In Utah Valley, Union Pacific and other railroad operations use standardized AAR radio channels.
Calling & Monitoring
Calling & Monitoring Frequencies
Amateur radio and other servicesCalling and monitoring frequencies are commonly used by radio operators to establish contact or listen for activity. They include amateur radio calling channels, APRS data frequencies, and informal calling conventions used by other radio services. Not every frequency is officially designated for national calling.
Wilderness Protocol
Amateur emergency monitoring practiceThe Wilderness Protocol is an amateur radio practice intended to improve the chances of making contact in remote areas. Operators are encouraged to periodically monitor established calling frequencies for stations needing assistance. Participation is voluntary and does not guarantee that someone will be listening during an emergency.
Comparing Radio Services
The estimates below cover basic entry-level equipment in the United States. Range is highly variable and depends on terrain, antenna height, buildings, interference, equipment, and whether an existing repeater or mesh network is available. These are planning estimates, not guaranteed distances or price quotes.
| Radio service | Approximate cost of entry | Typical direct range |
|---|---|---|
| FRS | $20–$60 for a pair | 0.5–2 miles |
| GMRS | $50–$150 per radio, plus FCC license | 1–5 miles |
| MURS | $40–$100 per radio | 1–3 miles |
| CB | $60–$200 for basic radio and antenna | 1–5 miles |
| LoRa / Mesh | $25–$100 per node | 1–10+ miles between favorably placed nodes |
| Amateur Radio | $30–$150 for an entry-level handheld, plus testing/licensing costs | 1–5 miles with an entry-level VHF/UHF handheld; repeaters and HF can extend coverage much farther |
Costs are approximate U.S. equipment budgets, not recurring service fees. The ranges are broad illustrations for common setups, not statistical averages. GMRS repeater access and mesh relays can extend coverage substantially; amateur-radio range varies enormously by band and operating mode. Business and transportation services use specialized equipment and authorization, so a single consumer entry-cost estimate would be misleading.