FRS Radio
You may have seen Family Radio Service Radios, or FRS Radio, in the aisles at your favorite electronics stores. These are a special kind of two-way radio meaning that they will both transmit and receive. The FCC has also set up a special bandwidth exclusively for the operation of FRS Radio. FRS radio is basically a walkie-talkie with 14 channels. When you want to talk (transmit) you press a button and when you want to receive (listen) you let go of the button. Technological advances have hit FRS radios just like any other technology and you can find FRS radios as small as bic lighters.
No license is required to operate an FRS radio and they come in handy to communicate with family members at places like malls, sporting events, airports, and amusement parks. FRS radios are similar to the CB radios that were all the rage in the 1970s except that they have a shorter range of communication. In the 1990s, the FCC designated a special set of frequencies solely for the use of FRS radio. Small businesses use FRS radio to conduct business too. Although you don't need a license to operate FRS radio, don't abuse it because the FCC can revoke your right to use the FRS band. Many people are noticing that in certain situations FRS radios are more convenient and less costly than using cell phones to communicate. The limitations on FRS radio is their range of communication but there are not limits on minutes and they don't charge outrageous prices if you do go over your allotted supply of minutes. FRS radios are best in crowded places like airports and sporting events. The prices of FRS radio are very reasonable too. You can pick a pair of FRS radios for about $20. FRS radios broadcast on narrowband FM which probably won't mean much to you unless you're a gear head. Their power is limited 0.5 watts but that's enough to communicate at ranges of up to 2 miles if the conditions are right. Realistically though you shouldn't count on being able to communicate at distances over half a mile. You may be thinking cell phones do the same thing and you'd probably be right so why would you even consider FRS radios? Well here's a few reasons: 1. No cell phone roaming charges. You know how costly this can be if you've made cell phone calls outside of your calling area. 2. Less expensive than a cell phone with no service fees. The U.S. government encourages you to use FRS frequencies free of charge. 3. Less valuable than a cell phone. If you happen to lose your FRS radio, the person that finds it can't make unauthorized calls that you'll have to pay for and if you lose your cell phone you'll also lose all the numbers you had stored unless you have them backed up somewhere. 4. A pair of FRS radios costs about the same as one cell phone. FRS radios are sold in pairs so you only need to buy one set as opposed to two cell phones with two service plans. 5. No concerns about the coverage area. We've all been frustrated at some point when our cell phone is out of it's coverage area and is unable to make or receive calls. This is not an issue with FRS radio. |
