TheFamily Radio Service (FRS) is awalkie-talkie radio system authorized in the United States since 1996. Thispersonal radio service uses channelized frequencies around 462 and 467 MHz in theultra high frequency (UHF) band. It does not suffer the interference effects found oncitizens' band (CB) at 27MHz, or the 49 MHz band also used bycordless telephones, toys, andbaby monitors. FRS usesfrequency modulation (FM) instead ofamplitude modulation (AM). Since the UHF band has differentradio propagation characteristics, short-range use of FRS may be more predictable than the more powerful license-free radios operating in theHF CB band.
Initially proposed byRadioShack in 1994 for use by families, FRS gained consumer popularity due to the lack of monthly fees (unlike cell phones) and being inexpensive to buy the radios.[1] It has also seen significant adoption by business interests, as an unlicensed, low-cost alternative to thebusiness band. New rules issued by the FCC in May 2017 clarify and simplify the overlap between FRS andGeneral Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio services,[2] GMRS providing a much improved range over FRS.[1]
Worldwide, a number of similar personal radio services exist; these share the characteristics of low power operation in the UHF (or upper VHF) band using FM, and simplified or no end-user licenses. Exact frequency allocations differ, so equipment legal to operate in one country may cause unacceptable interference in another. Radios approved for FRS are not legal to operate anywhere in Europe.
FRS radios use narrow-band frequency modulation (NBFM) with a maximum deviation of 2.5 kilohertz. The channels are spaced at 12.5 kilohertz intervals.
All 22channels are shared with GMRS radios. Initially, the FRS radios were limited to 500milliwatts across all channels. However, after May 18, 2017, the limit is increased to 2 watts on channels 1-7 and 15–22.[2]
FRS radios frequently have provisions for using sub-audible tonesquelch (CTCSS andDCS) codes, filtering out unwanted chatter from other users on the same frequency. Although these codes are sometimes called "privacy codes" or "private line codes" (PL codes), they offer no protection from eavesdropping and are intended only to help reduce unwanted audio when sharing busy channels. Tone codes also do nothing to prevent desired transmissions from being swamped by stronger signals having a different code.
All equipment used on FRS must be certified according to FCC regulations. Radios are not certified for use in this service if they exceed limits on power output, have a detachable antenna, allow for unauthorized selection of transmitting frequencies outside of the 22 frequencies designated for FRS, or for other reasons.[3][4] After December 2017, the FCC no longer accepts applications to certify hand-held FRS units providing for transmission in any other radio band.
FRS radios must use only permanently attached antennas;[3] there are also table-top FRS "base station" radios that have whip antennas. This limitation intentionally restricts the range of communications, allowing greatest use of the available channels by the community. The use of duplexradio repeaters and interconnects to thetelephone network are prohibited under FRS rules.
The range advertised on specific devices might not apply in real-world situations, since large buildings, trees, etc., can interfere with the signal and reduce range. Under exceptional conditions, (such as hilltop to hilltop, or over open water) communication is possible at 60 km (37 mi) or more, but that is rare. Under normal conditions, with line of sight blocked by a few buildings or trees, FRS has an actual range of about 0.5 to 1.5 km (0.31 to 0.93 mi).
In May 2017, the FCC significantly revised the rules for combination FRS/GMRS radios. Combination radios will be permitted to radiate up to 2 watts on 15 of the 22 channels (as opposed to 0.5 watts), and all FRS channels are now considered shared with the GMRS service. Operation over 2 watts, or operation on GMRS repeater input channels, will still require GMRS licensing. The FCC will not certify combination FRS/GMRS radios that exceed the current power limits for the FRS service.[2]
Hybrid FRS/GMRS consumer radios have been introduced that have 22 channels. Before May 2017, radios had been certified for unlicensed operation on the 7 FRS frequencies, channels 8–14, under FRS rules.[5]
Prior to the 2017 revision, FCC rules required a GMRS license to operate on channels 1–7 using more than 0.5 watts.[3] Many hybrid radios have anERP that is lower than 0.5 watts on channels 1–7, or can be set by the user to operate at low power on these channels. This allows hybrid radios to be used under the license-free FRS rules if the ERP is less than 0.5 watts and the unit is certified for FRS operation on these frequencies.[3] Beginning September 28, 2017, FRS operation is permitted at up to 2 watts on these channels.
Interference to licensed services may be investigated by the FCC.[6]
Channels 8–14, formerly exclusive to FRS, since 28 September 2017 can be used by GMRS at 0.5 watts. Channels 15–22, formerly reserved exclusively for GMRS, can be used at up to 2 watts in the FRS.
Effective September 30, 2019, it became unlawful in the US to import, manufacture, sell or offer to sell radio equipment capable of operating under both GMRS and FRS. This does not includeamateur and other radio equipment that are not certified under Part 95, such as many handheld radios that are marketed for amateur use but are also able to transmit on FRS and GMRS frequencies.[2]
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | FRS EIRP Restriction | GMRS EIRP Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 462.5625 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 2 | 462.5875 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 3 | 462.6125 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 4 | 462.6375 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 5 | 462.6625 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 6 | 462.6875 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 7 | 462.7125 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 5 watts |
| 8 | 467.5625 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 9 | 467.5875 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 10 | 467.6125 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 11 | 467.6375 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 12 | 467.6625 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 13 | 467.6875 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 14 | 467.7125 | Up to 0.5 watt | Up to 0.5 watt[Note 1] |
| 15 | 462.5500 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 16 | 462.5750 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 17 | 462.6000 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 18 | 462.6250 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 19 | 462.6500 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 20 | 462.6750 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 21 | 462.7000 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
| 22 | 462.7250 | Up to 2 watts | Up to 50 watts |
FRS grew very fast in its early years in the US. Sales of FRS walkie-talkies were 500,000 units in 1997, 1.75 million in 1998, 5 million in 1999, 7.5 million in 2000 and 9.5 million in 2001. The largest manufacturers of these devices wereMotorola (with itsTalkabout line),AudioVox and Cobra Electronics.[1]
Personal UHF radio services similar to the American FRS exist in other countries, although since technical standards and frequency bands will differ, usually FCC-approved FRS equipment may not be used in other jurisdictions.
American-standard FRS radios have been approved for use inCanada since April 2000. As of 2016,[update] only low-power (2 WERP),half duplex GMRS operation is permitted, but a license is not required.[7] Repeater and high-power operations are not permitted. This allows the use of dual-mode FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies, but precludes the use of higher-powered GMRS devices designed for vehicle and base-station purposes.
Sincetourists often bring their FRS radios with them, and since trade between the U.S., Canada, andMexico is of great value to all three countries, the MexicanSecretary of Communication and Transportation has authorized use of the FRS frequencies and equipment similar to that in the US. However, dual-mode FRS/GMRS equipment is not approved in Mexico, so caution should be exercised in operating hybrid FRS/GMRS devices purchased elsewhere.[8]
Dual-mode GMRS/FRS equipment is also approved inBrazil (GMRS only in simplex mode, GMRS frequencies 462.550, 467.550, 462.725, 467.725 are not allowed)[9] and most otherSouth American countries. Portable radios are heavily used in private communications, mainly by security staff in nightclubs and malls, but also in private parking, maintenance, and delivery services.
Paragraphs 51 and 52 list the changes on the FRS / GMRS channels and power restrictions. These modifications are meant to affect previous FRS / GMRS hybrid radios in the United States that were commonly sold to redefine them as FRS radios, since many users that purchase these radios did not know the FCC license requirements. As a result, these users will not require a GMRS license. Radios transmitting higher than the new FRS power restrictions are re-defined as GMRS radios and users will require a GMRS license to use these devices. The changes (channels and power limitations) went into effect on September 28, 2017.
If you operate a radio that has been approved for both FRS and GMRS, and if you limit your operations to the FRS channels with a maximum power of ½ watt effective radiated power and an integral antenna, you are not required to have a license. (Note that some dual-service radios transmit with higher power on FRS channels 1 through 7; these radios can be used without a license only on FRS channels 8 through 14.)
The Spectrum Enforcement Division is responsible for resolution of complaints involving public safety and technical issues such as tower registration, marking and lighting and equipment requirements. The Division is also responsible for taking enforcement actions regarding such violations as unauthorized construction or operation of radio stations.
