Understanding the differences between Amateur (Ham), CB, FRS, GMRS, and MURS services

CB (Citizens Band) radio service
This is one of the most widely used radio services due to the fact that there is NO LICENSE NEEDED to use it, radios are widely available online or at most “truck stops” along the highway, and the cost of the radios and antennas is very affordable for those just getting started. CB is a channelized service, meaning it uses channels to control the exact frequencies in use. Only these 40 frequencies can be used, not all of the frequencies in a given range like some other services. The frequency range for CB starts at 26.965 MHz and goes to 27.405 MHz with each channel 10 KHz apart. All 40 channels are available for use by anyone, but channel 9 is reserved for emergency use and traveler assistance, and channel 19 is most commonly used for truckers to report traffic and conditions. For CB, the following 40 channels are used in the United States:

---

FRS (Family Radio Service)
FRS is another very popular radio service. Once again there is NO LICENSE NEEDED to use this service, and radios can be found online or in most “box” stores. FRS radios are inexpensive, and usually quite small and lightweight so they are easy to carry on hikes or camping. They are low powered; 6 channels are only allowed 0.5 watts of output, and the other 18 are limited to 2 Watts. FRS radios also have a fixed antenna (meaning it cannot be removed or replaced). These 2 factors mean their range is somewhat limited (1 – 2 miles typically), but that is the whole reason for this radio service. It allows unlicensed users to have a very localized coverage area so their transmissions won’t interfere with other users elsewhere. These radios are very popular with campers, hikers, offroad (ATV, motorcycle, etc.) and anyone else who just needs a mile or two of coverage area for communications and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. FRS is a channelized service, meaning it uses channels to control the exact frequencies in use. Only these 22 frequencies can be used, not all of the frequencies in a given range like some other services.

In the chart above NFM means Narrow FM. NFM allows for more channels in a given frequency range, though it results in lower audio quality, while FM provides higher fidelity audio but uses more bandwidth. All FRS channels are Narrow FM.

---

MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)
MURS is licensed by the FCC under part 95, subpart J, of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations. It is a two-way radio service and there is NO LICENSE NEEDED to use this service. Created in 2000, MURS radio service allows operation in a narrow section of the VHF band, with a maximum power limit of 2 watts. The FCC formally defines MURS as “a private, two-way, short-distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public.” MURS stations may not be connected to the public telephone network, may not be used for store and forward operations, and cannot use radio repeaters.

MURS is a channelized service, meaning it uses channels to control the exact frequencies in use, just like the CB service does. Only these 5 frequencies can be used, not all of the frequencies in a given range like some other services. For MURS, the following 5 channels are used in the United States:

MURS uses NFM (narrow FM) for channels 1 – 3, while channels 4 and 5 (Blue Dot and Green Dot respectively) can be operated in either narrow FM or FM (wideband) mode. NFM is often preferred for a better signal-to-noise ratio and compatibility with other MURS radios, but FM (wideband) gives better audio quality when used.

---

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that uses channels in the 462 MHz and 467 MHz region. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.

One of the most appealing things about GMRS beyond the extended coverage area that is possible when using repeaters, is that even though you need a license to use it, you don’t need to have any special training, or take a test to get the license. You just apply on the FCC website, and pay your $35 fee, which covers all the members of your immediate family for 10 years. The radios are inexpensive, and readily available at box stores or online.

Another benefit of GMRS radios is that they share the same frequencies (and channels) as the FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. So whether you have an FRS radio or a GMRS radio, channels 1 – 22 are the same and you can talk to one another. Four important differences between FRS and GMRS radios are that 1) FRS radios are low power (2 Watts or less) while GMRS radios can use higher power (up to 50 Watts on some channels), 2) FRS radios do not require a license, but GMRS radios do, 3) GMRS radios can use repeaters, while FRS radios cannot, and 4) GMRS radios can have a removable antenna which gives you a lot more flexibility and the ability to install better antennas on your radio, or even use it as a mobile or base station radio with the right antenna.

GMRS is a channelized service, meaning it uses channels to control the exact frequencies in use. Only these frequencies can be used, not all of the frequencies in a given range like some other services. The differences in GMRS from FRS are highlighted in green below for easy reference. For GMRS, the following 30 channels are used in the United States:

In the chart above NFM means Narrow FM. NFM allows for more channels in a given frequency range, though it results in lower audio quality, while FM provides higher fidelity audio but uses more bandwidth. 

---

Amateur (Ham) Radio Service
There is really nothing “amateur” about Amatuer Radio. It is called Amateur Radio because operators cannot make money in any way using this service, or use it for business in any way, you cannot broadcast music, or even sing happy birthday to someone over the radio, so it is non-commercial. In order to use amateur radio you have to learn about FCC rules, operating procedures, radio wave propagation, signals and emissions, electronic and electrical components, electrical principles, antennas and feed lines and more. The saving grace in getting your amateur radio license(s) is that the FCC gives you all possible questions and their answers to study before you take the exam. Sounds easy, right? It can be, if you study.

Once you have your license, you will have the ability to communicate worldwide, even if all the phones in the world stopped working. That’s really cool. Below are all the frequencies that apply to each classification of amateur radio operator, and what kind of communications can occur in which range.

Click the image for a larger view. Double click image to see it full-size, or right-click and save image to reference it later.

For more information on how to get started in Amatuer (Ham) Radio see our article titled How to Get Your Amateur Radio (Ham) License.

---