Personal radio service

A personal radio service is any system that allows individual to operate radio transmitters and receivers for personal purposes with minimal or no special license or individual authorization. Personal radio services exist around the world and typically use light-weight walkie talkie portable radios. The power output, antenna size, and technical characteristics of the equipment are set by regulations in each country. Many regions (for example, the European Union) have standardized personal radio service rules to allow travelers from one country to use their equipment in another country. Examples of standardized services include PMR446 and FM Citizens Band Radio (CB) in the EU and several other countries/regions. 26 – 27 MHz CB radio is the oldest personal radio service and is used in nearly every country worldwide, with many countries and regions copying the United States' 40 channel frequency plan. In many countries, CB radio is less popular due to the availability of other personal radio services that offer shorter antennas, better protection from noise and interference.

A personal radio service handheld radio; this one is for use with the European PMR446 service.

Because radio spectrum allocation varies around the world, a personal radio service device may not be usable outside its original area of purchase. For example, US-specification Family Radio Service radios operate on frequencies that in Europe are allocated to fire and emergency services. Operation of a personal radio device that cause interference to other services may result in prosecution. Some personal radio service frequency plans are regionally accepted, for example the European PMR446 system is available in many countries and the American FRS/GMRS system's channel plans have been adopted by Canada, Mexico and some countries in South America.

Operating characteristics

Specific details vary between the different national services, but many personal radio services operate in the VHF or UHF part of the radio spectrum, using frequency modulation and a maximum power of only a few watts. Operation is on predetermined channels. Unlike commercial business, marine, aviation, or emergency services radio, all users in an area share access to the available channels, requiring cooperation for effective communications. Unlike amateur radio, experimentation with different types of apparatus, and modes of modulation is not permitted, and equipment must be factory-built and approved. Many of these services require non-removable antennas or place restrictions on antenna size, height or gain. The high-VHF band (137 – 174 MHz) and UHF bands (325, 350, 400 – 480, 900 MHz) are the most popular aside from the 25 – 28 MHz "HF CB" bands. There are notable exceptions to this, including the 78 MHz and 245 MHz Thai "CB 78" and "CB 245" VHF-FM bands, the 68 – 71 MHz Finnish band, the 30 – 31 MHz Swedish "Hunting Radio" band, and the 43 MHz Italian "VHF CB" bands. The lower frequency allocations (especially the 30/31 and 43 MHz bands) often exhibit propagation and communication range characteristics similar to 27 MHz CB radio. Higher frequencies (especially above 200 MHz) are almost exclusively line-of-sight.

These services are different from cellular mobile telephone systems in that no infrastructure (towers, base stations) is required; communications is point-to-point directly between users. However, this also means that communication range is usually limited to line-of-sight propagation, a few kilometres (miles) under the best of circumstances, and much less in heavily built up urban areas. Also unlike mobile telephones, operation is push-to-talk; a user must wait for the shared frequency to be clear before transmitting, and all stations on the frequency may hear the transmission. Since both stations are on the same frequency, the receiving station cannot interrupt the transmitter until it has finished. Generally only voice transmission is allowed under personal radio service regulations, although tone and digital selective calling features are allowed in some countries. Some services permit digital data transmission, either as part of digital "text messaging" and GPS location "sharing" with other nearby radios (such as FRS), or the services themselves involve digital voice and data transmissions (such as DPMR446/DMR446).

United States Family Radio Service

Main article: Family Radio Service

In the United States, the Family Radio Service was authorized starting in 1996. It uses half-watt hand-held FM UHF radios with 14 fixed channels. Many radios sold in the United States are advertised as having 22 channels (instead of 14) and claim extremely long range capability. These radios are actually dual-mode radios with both FRS and 8 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) exclusive frequencies programmed in them. Use of GMRS requires a simple license, although many users never acquire the license. GMRS radios can transmit up to 5 watts of power. FRS channels 1 through 7 are shared with GMRS and therefore higher power can be used on channels 1 – 7, providing greater communication range compared to the 500 mW FRS power limit. Channels 8 – 14 are FRS only and even combination FRS/GMRS radios may legally only transmit up to 0.5 watts on channels 8 – 14. The eight GMRS frequencies are often programmed in these radios as channels 15 – 22, with up to 5 watts of power. Some transceivers feature switchable high/low power output on channels 1 – 7 and 15 – 22. Operating GMRS equipment without a license and/or using GMRS power levels on FRS frequencies is illegal and is often referred to as "bubble-pack piracy" due to the plastic bubble packs that dual-service FRS/GMRS radios are often packaged and sold in. Due to lax enforcement of these rules, the vast majority of GMRS and high power FRS users are unlicensed. GMRS users have the option of setting up repeater systems on the eight GMRS-only frequencies. however the majority of 22-channel FRS/GMRS radios do not support repeater capability. All channels must be shared by all users. All users must cooperate in the sharing of channels. Repeaters are not permitted on FRS frequencies (this includes channels 1 – 7). 462.675 MHz is the recommended GMRS calling/emergency/motorist assistance channel. Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz) is also often used as an unofficial calling channel.

FRS/GMRS "combination" or "dual use" 22-channel frequency plan with power output restrictions. A FRS-only radio would only include channels 1 – 14 with a maximum power output of 0.5 watt (500 mW) on all 14 channels.

  1. 462.5625 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  2. 462.5875 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  3. 462.6125 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  4. 462.6375 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  5. 462.6625 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  6. 462.6875 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  7. 462.7125 MHz – shared with GMRS (maximum power 5 watts if used as part of GMRS, otherwise maximum power is 0.5 watt)
  8. 467.5625 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  9. 467.5875 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  10. 467.6125 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  11. 467.6375 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  12. 467.6625 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  13. 467.6875 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  14. 467.7125 MHz – FRS only (maximum power 0.5 watt)
  15. 462.5500 MHz – GMRS only (also called "550")
  16. 462.5750 MHz – GMRS only (also called "575")
  17. 462.6000 MHz – GMRS only (also called "600")
  18. 462.6250 MHz – GMRS only (also called "625")
  19. 462.6500 MHz – GMRS only (also called "650")
  20. 462.6750 MHz – GMRS only – Calling/Motorist Assistance/Emergency with PL tone 141.3 (also called "675")
  21. 462.7000 MHz – GMRS only (also called "700")
  22. 462.7250 MHz – GMRS only (also called "725")

Using FRS frequencies

Canada

American-standard FRS radios have been approved for use in Canada since April 2000. The revised technical standard RSS 210 has essentially the same technical requirements as in the United States. Since September 2004, low-power GMRS radios and dual-standard FRS/GMRS radios have also been approved for use in Canada, giving additional channels. In Canada, no license is required and no restrictions are imposed on the GMRS channels.[1]

Mexico

Since tourists often bring their FRS radios with them, and since trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is of great value to all three countries, the Mexican Secretary 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.[2]

South America

Dual-mode GMRS/FRS equipment is also approved in Brazil and most other South 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.

United States Multi Use Radio Service

In addition to the UHF FRS and GMRS allocation and the high-HF CB allocation, in 2000, the American FCC allocated five VHF channels to the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS). Like CB, MURS frequencies may be used for business or personal/family communications. Two of these frequencies were re-allocated from the Business/Industrial Radio Pool (Business Radio Service). These two frequencies were often used illegally by businesses as they were/are part of the "color dot" frequencies that handheld "on-site" business radios come pre-programmed with. Channels 1 – 3 were not allocated as part of the "color dot" frequencies and therefore do not generally have "grandfathered" business users on them (see below).

  1. 151.8200 MHz
  2. 151.8800 MHz
  3. 151.9400 MHz
  4. 154.5700 MHz "Blue Dot"
  5. 154.6000 MHz "Green Dot"

All five channels now see significant use by businesses, including large-scale retail outlets such as Wal-Mart, as well as mobile-to-mobile users such as hunters, security, delivery and taxi/ridesharing users. Use of squelch systems such as CTCSS and DCS on the MURS frequencies is encouraged to facilitate frequency sharing. Voice and data transmissions are permitted on the MURS frequencies. AM and FM modes are permitted on the MURS frequencies for both data and voice transmission (see FCC rules Part 95.631). However, store-and-forward digital operations are not permitted and transmitters must not operate in continuous-carrier (constant transmit) mode. External antennas are permitted, transmitter output power is limited to 2 watts. MURS is often used for data transmissions as well as portable and mobile voice communications, due to the external high-gain antenna provision, MURS offers the possibility of greater range than FRS. As with CB, FRS and GMRS, there are reports of users using higher-than-legal power levels on the MURS frequencies.

Channels 1 – 3 must use "narrowband" frequency modulation (2.5 kHz deviation). Channels 4 and 5 may use either "wideband" FM (5 kHz deviation) or "narrowband" FM. MURS falls under part 95 and was not mandated for narrow banding such as those of part 90 in the public service bands by January 2013.

Because previous business band licensees who have maintained their active license remain grandfathered with their existing operating privileges, it is possible to find repeaters or other operations not authorized by Part 95 taking place. These are not necessarily illegal. If legal, such operations may enjoy primary status on their licensed frequency and as such are legally protected from harmful interference by MURS users. SeeCFR 47, part 95.1317.[3]

Using other UHF and VHF frequencies

Australia and New Zealand

Main article: UHF CB

In Australia and New Zealand, the 77-channel (previously 40-channel) UHF CB citizen's band near 477 MHz is used for a similar purpose. In New Zealand hand-held transceivers are "class licensed" and require no individual registration. Repeaters may be used, but these require individual station licences.[4] The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) also allocated a band near 434 MHz for low-powered devices with low potential for interference to other users of the band.[5]

Europe

In Europe, PMR446 is a personal radio service with two sets of 16 channels and one set of 8 channels available for a total of 40 channels. The original PMR446 allocation for 16 channels from 446.00625 MHz to 446.19375 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing steps has been complimented with two digital channel plans (sometimes called "DMR446" or "DPMR446"). Digital FDMA offers another 16 channels from 446.103125 MHz to 446.196875 MHz with 6.25 kHz channel spacing steps. 4-level FSK modulation at 3.6 kbits/second is used. Digital DMR Tier I TDMA PMR446 channels are also available, eight channels from 446.10625 MHz to 446.19375 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing steps. 4-level FSK modulation at 3.6 kbits/second is used. All three of the PMR446 channel plans occupy the same European-harmonized 446.0 MHz to 446.2 MHz frequency band.

One cannot legally use the FRS radio in Europe or PMR446 in the U.S. The 446 MHz band is allocated to amateur radio in the United States. In Great Britain, FRS frequencies are used for fire brigade communications and this sometimes causes problems when FRS equipment is imported from the U.S. and used without awareness of the consequences by members of the public. A similar situation exists with the German Freenet VHF CB allocation, the American MURS VHF CB allocation, and the Australian/New Zealand UHF CB allocation at 476 – 477 MHz. Use of Australian UHF CB equipment in the United States would cause severe interference to public safety communications, especially in larger metropolitan areas.

European countries also have LPD devices operating in the 433 MHz band; these devices are restricted to 10 mW output power and are intended to provide an alternative to PMR446 over short distances. Additionally, most European countries allow use of the 26.965 – 27.405 MHz US FCC Citizen's Band Radio allocation (40 channels). Some countries allow more channels (for example, Germany has an extra 40 channel allocation from 26.565 – 27.955 MHz making a total of 80 available CB channels) or other modes. Many countries allow the use of both AM and FM modulation, with some (including the UK) allowing the use of SSB as well.

Finland

Finland has a 26-channel mid-band (68 – 72 MHz) VHF-FM allocation called "RHA68" consisting of "common channels for hobby usage in general". A license is required to operate in the RHA68 band but no examination is required for the license, the user simply must pay a fee for each transmitter being licensed. The channels may be referred to by their sequential number or by alphanumeric designation per Finnish law. Power limit is 5 watts for hand-portable stations and 25 watts for mobile stations on all of group A channels and on group E channels 15, 16 and 18 – 21. Base stations may only be used on group A channels with maximum transmitting power of 15 watts.[6]

Channel group A

Channel Frequency Usage Power limit
1 68.100 MHz Roadside assistance organizations 25 W
2 68.300 MHz Motor sports 25 W
3 68.425 MHz Volunteer rescue organization 25 W
4 68.525 MHz Motor sports 25 W
17 68.225 MHz Volunteer rescue organization 25 W

Channel group E

Channel Frequency Usage Power limit
5 68.050 MHz General use 5 W
6 68.575 MHz General use 5 W
7 68.175 MHz General use 5 W
8 67.500 MHz General use 5 W
9 71.375 MHz General use 5 W
10 71.425 MHz General use 5 W
11 71.475 MHz General use 5 W
12 71.625 MHz General use 5 W
13 70.200 MHz General use 5 W
14 71.025 MHz General use 5 W
15 71.050 MHz General use 25 W
16 71.100 MHz General use 25 W
18 68.375 MHz General use 25 W
19 71.175 MHz General use 25 W
20 71.750 MHz General use 25 W
21 71.900 MHz General use 25 W
22 71.350 MHz General use 5 W
23 71.550 MHz General use 5 W
24 71.575 MHz General use 5 W
25 71.600 MHz General use 5 W
26 72.325 MHz General use 5 W

Germany

Germany has a VHF-FM allocation called Freenet that allows a maximum of 500 mW of power on six channels in the 149 MHz band.

  1. 149.0250 MHz
  2. 149.0375 MHz
  3. 149.0500 MHz
  4. 149.0875 MHz
  5. 149.1000 MHz
  6. 149.1125 MHz

The Freenet allocation is a re-purposing of the old B-Netz mobile telephone service is similar in scope and purpose to the Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) in the United States, and the "Jaktradio" (Hunting Radio) services in Norway and Sweden.

Italy

Italy allows use of the European standardized 40 channel 26/27MHz CB band, plus a 34 channel allocation from 26.875 MHz to 27.245 MHz, giving Italian HF CB a total of 49 channels between to two CB bands (Band I1: 26.965 – 27.405, Band I2: 26.875 – 27.245). In addition to this, Italy has a "VHF CB" allocation at 43 MHz, usually called "Apparati a 43 MHz" or "CB 43 MHz". Italy, like many other countries, suffers from extremely lax enforcement of radio communications laws, and "freeband" modified equipment covering wider frequency ranges as well as amplifiers are widely available and openly advertised by communications equipment vendors. "Freebanding" occurs with both the 27MHz area (often as low as 25 MHz and as high as 30 MHz) and the 43MHz area (as 43 MHz CB equipment is often modified to cover down to 34 MHz and up to 47 MHz, using 12.5 kHz steps). There is evidence of these frequencies being used outside of Italy for illegal "CB-like" operations.

Italian 43 MHz "VHF CB" or "43 MHz CB" allocation. 24 channels, FM mode, 12.5 kHz channel spacing. Each channel has a "recommended use" associated with it. Portable handheld (walkie-talkie), in-vehicle mobile and base station transceivers are available for this band. Channels are numbered in straight sequence, however many transceivers marketed for this band also include a frequency display. Due to the low-VHF band frequency characteristics of this band, it is often used as an adjunct to, or replacement for, the traditional 26 – 27 MHz CB allocations.

  1. 43.3000 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  2. 43.3125 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  3. 43.3250 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  4. 43.3375 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  5. 43.3500 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  6. 43.3625 MHz – Rescue, Road/Traffic Control, Forestry, Hunting, Fishing, Security
  7. 43.3750 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  8. 43.3875 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  9. 43.4000 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  10. 43.4125 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  11. 43.4250 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  12. 43.4375 MHz – Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, Crafts
  13. 43.4500 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
  14. 43.4625 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
  15. 43.4750 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
  16. 43.4875 MHz – For safety of life at sea, Marine Use (Ship-to-Ship/Ship-to-Shore), Marinas and Harbors
  17. 43.5000 MHz – To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  18. 43.5125 MHz – To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  19. 43.5250 MHz – To aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  20. 43.5375 MHz – to aid in the administration of sports and other competitive activities
  21. 43.5500 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
  22. 43.5625 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
  23. 43.5750 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.
  24. 43.5875 MHz – For use by health professionals, doctors, hospitals, and activities related to them.

Norway

Norway has a Short distance radio service (called "KDR444" to distinguish it from similar services such as PMR446 with six UHF FM channels between 444.600 and 444.975 MHz. Some dual-mode KDR/PMR radios are sold but are only usable in Sweden and Norway. Norway has a 6 channel VHF FM Jaktradio (Hunting Radio) service, maximum power 5 watts. Because both Norway and Sweden have high-band VHF FM hunting allocations (see section on Sweden below), many hunting radios are marketed with both the 6 Nordic channels and 7 Swedish channels in one unit.

  1. 143.9000 MHz
  2. 139.4000 MHz
  3. 143.3500 MHz
  4. 138.8500 MHz
  5. 143.2500 MHz
  6. 138.7500 MHz

Sweden

Similar to Norway, Sweden also has Jaktradio (Hunting Radio) allocations, 6 channels in the 155.400 – 155.525 MHz band and 40 channels in the 30 – 31 MHz band. In addition to these, the general purpose channel 156.000 MHz is available. 156.000 MHz is sometimes included as Marine VHF radio "channel 0" or "M1" (private) channel, allowing communication between portables and radios mounted in boats. Modulation is FM, maximum power 4 watts for 30 – 31 MHz and 5 watts for 155 MHz.

The 30/31 MHz band is sometimes referred to as "PR31" or "Jakt 31 MHz" to avoid confusion with the 155 MHz Jaktradio frequencies. Due to the proximity of this band in frequency to the 26 – 27 MHz CB band and the wide availability of modified CB or 10-meter amateur radio transceivers that cover up to 32 MHz, some operations on these channels involve the use of modified equipment.

Handheld radios are available for these frequencies, with some models including both the 30/31 MHz band and the 155 MHz band. [7]

VHF-FM High Band 155 MHz Jaktradio:

  1. 155.4000 MHz
  2. 155.4250 MHz
  3. 155.4500 MHz
  4. 155.4750 MHz
  5. 155.5000 MHz
  6. 155.5250 MHz
  7. 156.0000 MHz (general purpose channel sometimes grouped with the other hunting channels)

VHF-FM Low Band 31 MHz Jaktradio:

  1. 30.930 MHz
  2. 30.940 MHz
  3. 30.950 MHz
  4. 30.960 MHz
  5. 30.970 MHz
  6. 31.030 MHz
  7. 31.040 MHz
  8. 31.050 MHz
  9. 31.060 MHz
  10. 31.080 MHz
  11. 31.090 MHz
  12. 31.100 MHz
  13. 31.110 MHz
  14. 31.120 MHz
  15. 31.130 MHz
  16. 31.140 MHz
  17. 31.150 MHz
  18. 31.160 MHz
  19. 31.170 MHz
  20. 31.180 MHz
  21. 31.190 MHz
  22. 31.200 MHz
  23. 31.210 MHz
  24. 31.220 MHz
  25. 31.230 MHz
  26. 31.240 MHz
  27. 31.250 MHz
  28. 31.260 MHz
  29. 31.270 MHz
  30. 31.280 MHz
  31. 31.290 MHz
  32. 31.300 MHz
  33. 31.310 MHz
  34. 31.320 MHz
  35. 31.330 MHz
  36. 31.340 MHz
  37. 31.350 MHz
  38. 31.360 MHz
  39. 31.370 MHz

China

A personal radio service similar to the American-style FRS in Hong Kong, Macau, and China is also approved by respective organizations for legal "license free" operation, with the name of "Public Radio Service". However, different UHF frequencies with 20 allocated channels near 409 MHz are used. Sometimes this is also being referred as "Citizen Band" or CB in China,[8] but not to be confused with the Citizens Band radio within the 27-MHz band. European, American, and Canadian residents are advised not to use FRS or PMR446 radios for communication when traveling to the aforementioned areas.

There is big number of FRS band radios, being used in China "illegally", started before the Chinese government opened the 409 MHz band to public. Legal action against such usage is rare, because of the low power and short range of FRS radios.

List of China Public Radio Service Channels:

Channel Frequency [MHz]
1 409.7500
2 409.7625
3 409.7750
4 409.7875
5 409.8000
6 409.8125
7 409.8250
8 409.8375
9 409.8500
10 409.8625
11 409.8750
12 409.8875
13 409.9000
14 409.9125
15 409.9250
16 409.9375
17 409.9500
18 409.9625
19 409.9750
20 409.9875

Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) allows for use of the 26 – 27 MHz Citizen's Band (CB) allocation from 26.965 to 27.405 MHz (standard 40-channel allocation used in most of the world for CB). BTRC also permits usage of "Short Business Radio" (SBR) in the 245.000 to 246.000 MHz band. This is the same 245 MHz CB allocation as Thailand and uses the same channel plan (80 channels, 12.5 kHz steps). The BTRC considers both the 26 – 27 MHz CB and 245 – 246 MHz SBR allocations to be shared resources and all users must share the channels with other users of these two bands.

India

India has a 13-channel UHF-FM service known as "Short Range Radio" or "SRR" that operates in the 350.225 MHz – 350.400 MHz band with a maximum output power of 2 watts. FM mode is used with 12.5 kHz channel spacing.

  1. 350.2250 MHz
  2. 350.2625 MHz
  3. 350.2750 MHz
  4. 350.2875 MHz
  5. 350.3000 MHz
  6. 350.3125 MHz
  7. 350.3250 MHz
  8. 350.3375 MHz
  9. 350.3500 MHz
  10. 350.3625 MHz
  11. 350.3750 MHz
  12. 350.3875 MHz
  13. 350.4000 MHz

In August 2005, India deregulated the 26.957 to 27.283 MHz band for license-free CB radio usage with a maximum power output of 5 watts. The channel plan follows channels 1 – 27 from the standard 40 channel CB plan originally adopted by the United States (and most other countries worldwide). Channel 1 is 26.965 and channel 27 is 27.275 MHz. Use of frequencies below 26.965 or above 27.275 is not permitted in India. Multi-norm mobile CB radios are now being shipped with the 27 channel India CB frequency plan programmed in them.

Indonesia

Two frequency bands available, VHF-FM (142 – 143 MHz VHF CB) and UHF-FM (476 – 477 MHz UHF CB).

Indonesia allows 40 channels from 476.425 MHz to 477.400 MHz at 25 kHz channel spacing. It is the same channel plan as the original 40 channel Australia/New Zealand UHF CB allocation. Indonesia also has a 60-channel VHF-FM service available from 142.050 MHz to 143.525 MHz (channels spaced every 25 kHz). Indonesia also permits usage of the standardized 26.965 – 27.405 MHz HF CB band with AM/SSB modes allowed.

The new frequency allocations (142 & 476 MHz) were regulated in a decision by the Director General of Posts and Telecommunications in decreee Number 92 Year 1994 on Implementing Regulation of the Inter-Citizens Radio Communications.[9]

Japan

Japan has several services in the UHF bands:

Japan's ("SLPR: Specified Low Power Radio") service is limited to 10 mW in the 420, 421, and 422 MHz bands. It is called "Tokutei Shoudenryoku Musen".

348 MHz UHF-FM service for Business use. Radios must be equipped with a built-in control ROM for automatic digital callsign identification using 1200bps/4800bps MSK.

900 MHz UHF-FM "Personal Radio" service for Personal, Leisure and Family use. Radios must be equipped with a built-in control ROM for automatic digital callsign identification using 1200bps/4800bps MSK.

South Africa

South Africa is in the process of conforming to ITC region 1 recommendations. They do allow 8 channels between 446.0 – 446.1 MHz band currently, this is the same as the European PMR446.

There are two HF AM/SSB CB bands available for use in South Africa, 27MHz and 29MHz. There are some radio transceivers sold that include both "27 Megs" and "29 Megs" however some only include one band or the other.

South Africa also has a 23-channel allocation between 29.710 MHz and 29.985 MHz. This service commonly referred to as "29 Megs" or "29 MHz CB". Channels are 12.5 kHz apart. This service is shared between land mobile users, marine users, and civil defense/rural firefighting users. AM mode may be used on any channel, while SSB may only be used on specified channels 29.7475 MHz, 29.8225 MHz, 29.8475 MHz, 29.9475 MHz and 29.985 MHz. Maximum output power is 5 watts carrier power in AM mode and 12 watts PEP power in SSB mode. These frequencies are heavily used by the 4x4 and Land Rover communities as well as by safari companies. The 4-Wheel Drive Club of South Africa (4WDC) uses their own internal channel numbering scheme for these frequencies. Three of these channels (designated 1/A, 2/B and 3/C) are designated for use by marine operators. These frequencies offer excellent range over water (20 – 30 km or more depending on antenna installation) and are heavily used by ski boats and fishing clubs, often as an adjunct to the internationally-allocated Marine VHF radio band.

South Africa's use of 29 MHz for marine purposes is similar to Australia's use of 27 MHz for marine radio. Australia allows use of the standard 26.965 – 27.405 MHz AM/SSB 40 channel CB band for land mobile (and marine) communications plus 10 marine-only AM channels in the 27.68 – 27.98 MHz band. Many coast guard stations monitor 27 Meg channel 88 (27.880 MHz) in addition to VHF channel 16 (156.800 MHz) for distress, safety information and calling. Several 27 MHz marine transceivers sold in Australia are also available in South Africa (programmed for the South African 29 MHz frequencies). This allows for one transceiver to be sold in both Australia (27 MHz marine frequencies) and South Africa (29 MHz marine frequencies).

  1. 29.7100 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  2. 29.7225 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  3. 29.7350 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  4. 29.7475 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile (AM/SSB)
  5. 29.7600 MHz – Mobile (AM) – 4WDC Channel 4
  6. 29.7725 MHz – Marine "Channel B" or "Channel 2" and Mobile (AM only) – 4WDC Channel 5
  7. 29.7850 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  8. 29.7975 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  9. 29.8100 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  10. 29.8225 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile (AM/SSB) – 4WDC Channel 3
  11. 29.8350 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  12. 29.8475 MHz – Civil Defense (Primary) – Base/Mobile (AM/SSB)
  13. 29.8600 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  14. 29.8725 MHz – Mobile (AM) – 4WDC Channel 2
  15. 29.8850 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  16. 29.8975 MHz – Mobile (AM) – 4WDC Channel 1
  17. 29.9100 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  18. 29.9225 MHz – Mobile, Rural Fire Fighting Use (AM)
  19. 29.9350 MHz – Marine "Channel A" or "Channel 1" (AM) – Marine Calling Channel
  20. 29.9475 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile (AM/SSB)
  21. 29.9600 MHz – Mobile (AM)
  22. 29.9725 MHz – Marine "Channel C" or "Channel 3" and Mobile (AM only)
  23. 29.9850 MHz – Civil Defense – Base/Mobile (AM/SSB)

South Africa allows use of nine 27 MHz CB frequencies between 27.185 MHz and 27.275 MHz (27 MHz CB channels 19 – 27). Maximum output power is 5 watts carrier power in AM mode and 12 watts PEP power in SSB mode. As with the 29 MHz allocation, each frequency is assigned to either AM only or SSB operation. Channels 19 – 22 (27.185 MHz – 27.225 MHz) are designated for AM use and channels 23 – 27 (27.255 MHz – 27.275 MHz) are designated for SSB use.

South Korea

UHF-FM 448.750 – 449.2625 MHz band allocation similar to the American FRS and European PMR446 services. 25 channel FM with 500 mW maximum power output. 12.5 kHz channel spacing with skips. As with FRS/GMRS and PMR446, the use of tone squelch systems such as CTCSS/DCS is encouraged. Like the PMR446, LPD433, Japan's 421 – 422 MHz SLPR service and KDR444 services, use of these frequencies in countries such as the United States is illegal without an amateur radio license as they fall within the 420 – 450 MHz 70 cm ham radio allocation.

  1. 448.7500 MHz
  2. 448.7625 MHz
  3. 448.7750 MHz
  4. 448.7875 MHz
  5. 448.8000 MHz
  6. 448.8125 MHz
  7. 448.8250 MHz
  8. 448.8375 MHz
  9. 448.8500 MHz
  10. 448.8625 MHz
  11. 448.8750 MHz
  12. 448.8875 MHz
  13. 448.9000 MHz
  14. 448.9125 MHz
  15. 448.9250 MHz
  16. 449.1500 MHz
  17. 449.1625 MHz
  18. 449.1750 MHz
  19. 449.1875 MHz
  20. 449.2000 MHz
  21. 449.2125 MHz
  22. 449.2250 MHz
  23. 449.2375 MHz
  24. 449.2500 MHz
  25. 449.2625 MHz

Philippines

The Philippines has a radio service for use of families and small businesses. This service is called SRRS or Short Range Radio Service. Repeaters are not permitted, and units are limited to 2.5 watts.[11]

This service has been allocated 40 channels at 325 MHz:

Channel Frequency [MHz] Channel Frequency [MHz] Channel Frequency [MHz] Channel Frequency [MHz]
1 325.0000 11 325.1250 21 325.2500 31 325.3750
2 325.0125 12 325.1375 22 325.2625 32 325.3875
3 325.0250 13 325.1500 23 325.2750 33 325.4000
4 325.0375 14 325.1625 24 325.2875 34 325.4125
5 325.0500 15 325.1750 25 325.3000 35 325.4250
6 325.0625 16 325.1875 26 325.3125 36 325.4375
7 325.0750 17 325.2000 27 325.3250 37 325.4500
8 325.0875 18 325.2125 28 325.3375 38 325.4625
9 325.1000 19 325.2250 29 325.3500 39 325.4750
10 325.1125 20 325.2375 30 325.3625 40 325.4875

Thailand

Thailand has two 80 channel CB-style services, one in mid-band VHF 78 MHz band and another at high-band VHF 245 MHz band. Both services use FM mode only. Per Thai law, 78 MHz transceivers must have a yellow case. 245 MHz transceivers must have a red case. The HF (26 – 27 MHz band) CB service is not allowed in Thailand. 78 MHz takes the place of traditional 27 MHz CB for truckers, etc.

The 78 MHz CB allocation is primarily used by mobile and base stations, although handheld radios for 78 MHz are available. The lower frequency allows for longer communication range in rural and suburban areas compared to the 245 MHz service. 78 MHz is popular with trucking companies, buses, taxi companies and other transportation users, often in conjunction with 245 MHz. This service is commonly referred to as "CB78", "VHF78", "CB 78MHz" or simply "78 MHz". Frequency allocation is between 78.0000 and 78.9875 MHz. Channels are spaced 12.5 kHz apart for a total of 80 channels in straight numerical sequence (channel 1 is 78.0000 MHz, channel 80 is 78.9875 MHz). Units are allowed up to 10 watts PEP RF power. External high-gain antennas are permitted. Base station antennas are permitted and base stations are commonly found in this band. Use of selective calling and tone squelch systems such as DTMF, CTCSS and DCS are allowed. According to Thai law, transceivers operating on the 78 MHz band must have a yellow case.

The 245 MHz CB allocation is more popular than the 78 MHz service, especially in urban areas. This service is commonly referred to as "CB245", "VHF245" or "VHF CB 245 MHz". Frequency allocation is between 245.0000 and 245.9875 MHz. Channels are spaced 12.5 kHz apart for a total of 80 channels in straight numerical sequence (channel 1 is 245.0000 MHz, channel 80 is 245.9875 MHz). Units are allowed up to 10 watts PEP RF power. External high-gain antennas are permitted. Base station antennas are permitted. Besides personal use, the equipment is used by search and rescue organizations, businesses, security guards, taxi companies and delivery services. In urban areas, simplex repeaters, usually mounted on the roofs of high-rise buildings, are used to increase communication range. CTCSS and DCS are often used due to heavy channel congestion in urban areas. Operating rules are less restrictive than amateur radio service, with an initial license fee required. According to Thai law, transceivers operating on the 245 MHz band must have a red case. There are an estimated one million users of the 245 MHz VHF CB service, often in large cities.[12]

Taiwan

Some manufacturers in Taiwan have radios that carry both American FRS and GMRS frequencies, and have additional channels 1 to 99. Channels 1 to 14 are well-known, while channels 15 to 99 are less popular. While radios designed for the Taiwan market have FRS/GMRS frequencies as part of their channel plan, it is still technically illegal to use equipment designed for the Taiwan market in the United States.

FRS (規範頻率), 14 channels, 12.5 kHz spacing:

  1. 467.5125 MHz
  2. 467.5250 MHz
  3. 467.5375 MHz
  4. 467.5500 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  5. 467.5625 MHz – US FRS Channel 8
  6. 467.5750 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  7. 467.5875 MHz – US FRS Channel 9
  8. 467.6000 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  9. 467.6125 MHz – US FRS Channel 10
  10. 467.6250 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  11. 467.6375 MHz – US FRS Channel 11
  12. 467.6500 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input
  13. 467.6625 MHz – US FRS Channel 12
  14. 467.6750 MHz – US GMRS Repeater Input

Singapore

Since 3 February 2004, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has allocated the 446.0–446.1 MHz frequency band for low-powered walkie-talkies on a non-interference, non-protected and shared-use basis. As these walkie-talkies are low-powered devices which do not potentially cause interference to other licensed radio services, it need not be licensed for use in Singapore. However, the device must be type approved by IDA for local sale. [13]

Using HF Frequencies

Citizens Band radio is a family of services available in different countries and with different operating rules, generally using channels in the 27 MHz part of the radio spectrum. 26 – 27 MHz occupies the "boundary area" between HF (3 – 30 MHz) and VHF (30 – 300 MHz). This means that CB signals provide local coverage similar to low-band VHF during times of low sunspot activity. However, during the peak of the sunspot cycle, CB frequencies exhibit skywave propagation just like the lower parts of HF do, making communication hundreds or even thousands of miles (km) away possible. While some operators seek out long distance "DX" contacts on CB frequencies and on frequencies above channel 40 and below channel 1 (a practice referred to as "freebanding" or "outbanding"), interference from distant stations will often make local communication extremely difficult or impossible during band openings. CB was, and still is, designed for short-distance (local) communications needs. US FCC law prohibits communicating with any station more than 250 km (155.3 miles) on CB frequencies. Like many rules regarding the HF CB services, the distance prohibition is largely ignored and unenforced. Often as a result of channel overcrowding and interference, many HF CB users have turned to purchasing "export" or "10-meter" radios that operate in the legal CB band but also provide access to frequencies above and below the CB band. Other CB users purchase amplifiers to increase their output power and "punch through" interference caused by distant stations (or by local stations running amplifiers). This has created a tragedy of the commons situation in and near the HF CB spectrum (25 – 28 MHz). As more users purchase amplifiers and operate on out-of-band frequencies, more interference is produced, forcing others to acquire even more powerful equipment to punch through even more interference, and/or to acquire transceivers capable of accessing more frequencies so that a clear frequency may be found. Many CB users have moved to other personal radio services to avoid these issues.

When first developed in the United States, CB operation required an individual license fee. After the surge in popularity in the mid-1970s, licensing was deprecated. Other countries provided legislation to allow use of similar frequencies and operating modes. The 26.965 – 27.405 MHz 40 channel American channel plan serves as the frequency plan for many other countries' HF CB service, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, most of Central and South America and the European Union. FM may be used throughout Europe on the standard 40 channels – called the "mid band" or "CEPT" channels. Many countries also allow AM in addition to FM or AM/FM/SSB with various different power limits. European standardization allows a maximum of 4 watts FM power or 1 watt AM carrier power.

Others, such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil, allow more than 40 legal channels. Germany has an 80 channel allocation – the 40 CEPT/American channels plus 40 channels from 26.565 – 26.955 MHz in straight 10 kHz sequence. Germany only allows FM on channels 41 – 80. Brazil allows for 80 channels from 26.965 to 27.855 MHz with AM/SSB permitted. Brazil allows for higher power levels than the USA and most of Europe. New Zealand has two 40-channel HF CB bands available, the NZ-specific "NZ CB Band" 26.330 – 26.770 MHz (40 channels, AM and SSB allowed) and the standardized "mid band" 26.965 – 27.405 MHz (40 channels, AM and SSB allowed) for a total of 80 HF CB channels.

In Russia, HF CB radio is extremely popular, especially with taxicab, trucking, delivery and general transportation users. Due to the sheer size of Russia and the remoteness of many Russian communities, CB radio is an important resource. Russian CB operators and clubs have installed several simplex repeaters on mountaintops or the roofs of high-rise apartment buildings to increase communication range of low-powered mobile CB radios. Some of these repeaters feature CTCSS/PL tone protection, remote control via DTMF, linking via Internet gateways, simulcasting via several repeaters at once, and cross-band repeat connections to the UHF PMR446 service. Cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg feature motorist emergency services that are directly accessible via a CB frequency monitored by police and other emergency services. Other services provided by cities in Russia include weather broadcasts and travel/traffic information and warnings via specific CB channels.

Due to the rapid proliferation of "open-banded" export equipment (sold as "10-meter" or "multi-norm" radios) that cover wide frequency ranges, Russia allows for two overlapping sets of 3 bands of 40 channels, for a total of 240 channels. 26.515 – 26.955 MHz, 26.965 – 27.405 MHz and 27.415 – 27.855 MHz make up the first set. These are referred to as the "European channels" or the "fives" due to the frequency ending in 5. The second set, known as the "Polish channels" or the "zeros" is 26.510 – 26.950 MHz, 26.960 – 27.400 MHz and 27.410 – 27.850 MHz. Multi-norm radios sold in Europe and Asia designed for use in several different countries – with the end-user selecting the "mode" of the country they live in – now come with a "RU" (Russia) mode that opens the radio to full band coverage (usually 25.615 – 28.305 MHz or 25.615 – 30.105 MHz). It is important to note that only 26.515 – 27.855/26.510 – 27.850 MHz is legally permitted in Russia.

Each channel is given an alphanumeric identifier, with the three bands being labeled B-C-D, then the channel number and the last digit of the frequency labeled "E" for the 5 and "P" for the 0. The final letter(s) indicate the mode (AM or FM). For example, 27.185 MHz AM (Channel 19 in the European/American frequency plan) would be designated "C19EA" or "C19EAM". 27.180 MHz FM (Channel 19 on the Polish assignment) would be designated "C19PF" or "C19PFM". The B-C-D (or "grid") designation comes from common export radio band labeling. Originally these radios would feature 5 bands labeled A-B-C-D-E, with coverage from 26.065 – 28.305 MHz, later these radios switched to a 6 band configuration A-B-D-C-E-F with coverage from 25.615 – 28.305 MHz, making 26.965 – 27.405 MHz band D instead of band C.

Originally, Russia (and most other Eastern European/CIS countries) used the zero frequency offset in line with the Polish frequency plan (channel 1 being 26.960 MHz). However, in the past 4 – 5 years, most Russians have switched to the standardized European or American "fives" offset (channel 1 being 26.965 MHz). Due to the use of both frequency plans, many radios sold in the Russian/Eastern European market come with a -5kHz or +5kHz switch to quickly change from one channel plan to the other.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01320.html Industry Canada RSS-210 - Low-power Licence-exempt Radiocommunication Devices (All Frequency Bands) retrieved 2009 Oct 23
  2. ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20091026203800/http://geocities.com/wd9ewk/xe-frs.html Mexico's Family Radio Service (FRS) equivalent retrieved 2009 Oct 23
  3. ↑ https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2009-title47-vol5/pdf/CFR-2009-title47-vol5-part95.pdf
  4. ↑ http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/pdf-library/resource-library/publications/pib-20/pib20.pdf Personal Radio Service, Public Information Bulletin 20, retrieved 2011 07 28
  5. ↑ ACMA spectrum for 434 MHz LIPD devices
  6. ↑ "Harrastuskäyttöön ja työyhteyksiin varatut kanavat 67–72 MHz:n taajuusalueella". Viestintavirasto.fi. Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority. 2013-05-20. Retrieved 2016-04-29.
  7. ↑ Post- och telestyrelsen. "Post- och telestyrelsens föreskrifter om undantag från tillståndsplikt för vissa radiosändare" (PDF). §§73-74. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  8. ↑ 我国公众无线电对讲机的频段 (Public Radio Services Frequency of China): http://www.fjit.gov.cn/htm/szdjj/20111221/1633490.html
  9. ↑
  10. ↑ License free radio systems (in Japanese)
  11. ↑ http://r7.ntc.gov.ph/memopdf/fixedland/MC%2002-01-97%20.PDF MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02-01-97 SUBJECT: LICENSING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE SHORT RANGE RADIO SERVICE (SRRS), retrieved 2009 Oct 23
  12. ↑ http://www.rast.or.th/tares.html Thailand amateur radio emergency services , retrieved 2009 10 24
  13. ↑ Wider Choice of Radio-Communication & Wireless Devices for Consumers and Total Annual Savings of $200,000 for Telecom Equipment Dealers: http://www.ida.gov.sg/News%20and%20Events/20050712103130.aspx?getPagetype=20
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