Do I need an FCC license to use my two way radios?

Question

Ok. I have two way radios, or "walkie talkies". I have several sets of them and am planning on buying some of the new 36 mile Midland brand ones. I have a Cobra set, and a Midland set. I would like someone to clear up all the confusion about the FCC license. Looking online, it says "FCC license required" for the new radios I want. I remember seeing the FCC warning on the boxes of the ones I have already, but I've had other people tell me it's only for certain channels, but that the channels you need a license for have a longer range. Could someone please clear this up for me and explain what license (if any) I need to operate my radios? Thanks.

Answer 1

It sounds like you might be looking at commercial radios that operate on licensed frequencies. The cheap radios that use unlicensed frequencies aren't likely to reach 36 miles.



I guess the ham op is psychic since Cobra and Midland both make commercial radios. And a 5 watt radio will easily reach 36 miles line of sight to a repeater or base with a standard 9db antenna.

Anyone who wants to pass himself off as a radio expert should probably learn how to spell simplex.

Answer 2

Fcc License Two Way Radio

Answer 3

Oh boy... lots of wives tails about this. In the first place, what you have are so called FRS or family radio service units. There are also combo units on the market that are set up for the GMRS and FRS services. They are the ones that you need a license to use on the high power frequencies or channels. On the FRS channels, by law, they only put out about 100 milli watts and are good for about 1/2 mile under the best of conditions. Here is the kicker. The rough rule of thumb is a watt a mile. This means that under the best of conditions the 5 watt units sure wont go any 36 miles no matter what the add hype says. Now, an GMRS unit on a gain antenna to another such unit is a diferent story. Many schools, as part of their security, use thease units, but they also use them through a symplex repeater for extended range and hence can get away with the simple, cheep, small hand held units. The GMRS service does require an FCC license. GMRS is the general mobile radio service.

Answer 4

several issues.



1. except for CBs, any radio over 50 mw requires an FCC license. even the CB service was supposed to be licensed but the number of illegal pirate operators grew so huge the FCC gave up.



2. no walkie talkie has 36 mile range. 36 miles is beyond the horizon for a person standing at ground level.



3. radiation from radios over 3 watts held up to the head is hazardous, that is why they no longer make the 5 watt CB handies.



4. long distance communications with handies is done through an intermediary repeating radio. the repeater has antennas on a tall tower or is sited on a mountain top to give it a longer view to the horizon. with repeaters, 50 mw to 300 mw units are quite adequate, which is the power range of modern cell phones.



5. the FCC has cracked down a lot on distributors and manufacturers that sell radios that require licenses that have nothing but a note packed inside saying a license is advised. a legit dealer will now explain a lot about license requirements before selling you a unit.

Answer 5

Two Way Radio License

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Do I need an FCC license to use my two way radios?

Ok. I have two way radios, or "walkie talkies". I have several sets of them and am planning on buying some of the new 36 mile Midland brand ones. I have a Cobra set, and a Midland set. I would like someone to clear up all the confusion about the FCC license. Looking online, it says...

Answer 7

It' s Federal Regulation like Income Tax!! Coordinators make sure the frequencies in the various bands are distributed so interference is kept at a minimum. It is part of the required FCC license procedure.

Answer 8

basically the low watt radio use for with out license, FCC allocated the license for the long range radio and they give certain frequency to program in the radio, so it will not interfere others communication.

Answer 9

What harm do radios do. I dont really understand the license requirements. if you use a freq knowone uses its fine. your not harming anyone.