FRS - Family Radio Service

The Family Radio Service (FRS) is an improved walkie talkie system that was authorized in the United States in 1996. This personal radio service uses channelized frequencies in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band and does not suffer the interference effects found on Citizens Band (CB) at 27 MHz, or the 49 MHz band also used by cordless phones, toys, and baby monitors. FRS uses frequency modulation (FM) instead of amplitude modulation (AM), and has a greater reliable range than license-free radios operating in the CB or 49 MHz bands.

Initially proposed in 1994 for use by families, FRS has also seen significant adoption by business interests, as an unlicensed, low-cost alternative to the business band.

Family Radio Service - In Brief

• This is a low power FM service with 14 channels that operates at approximately 462 MHz
• Maximum power of 0.5 Watts. No separate antenna
• Very affordable type of radios. Only handheld sets are made
• Can be used for business or personal use - No license is required

FRS Family Radio Service Technical Information

FRS radios are limited to 500 milliwatts in the U.S., according to FCC regulations. Channels 1 to 7 are shared with low-power interstitial channels of GMRS, the General Mobile Radio Service. A license is required for those channels only if the power output is over FRS limits, up to GMRS limits. Unlike Citizens' Band (CB) radios, FRS radios frequently have provisions for using sub-audible tone squelch (CTCSS and DCS) 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 only intended to help share busy channels. Tone codes also do nothing to prevent desired transmissions from being swamped by stronger signals having a different code.

FRS stations on channels 1 through 7 may communicate with GMRS stations on those channels; the GMRS stations may use up to 5 watts of power, while the FRS stations are restricted to 0.5 watts.

The use of duplex radio repeaters and interconnects to the telephone network are prohibited under FRS rules, unlike in GMRS, where repeaters but not telephone interconnect are permitted, and the Amateur Radio Service (HAM Operators). FRS radios must use only permanently-attached antennas. This limitation intentionally restricts the range of communications, and promotes sharing of the available channels.

FRS manufacturers generally claim an effective range of 2 miles or more, but actual performance is limited by the physics of propagation. The presence of large buildings can reduce range. Under exceptional conditions, such as hilltop to hilltop, communication is possible over 30 miles or more. Under normal conditions, however, with line-of-sight blocked by a few buildings or trees, FRS generally has an effective range of 1/3 to 1 mile.

FRS - GMRS Dual Service Radios

Recently, hybrid FRS/GMRS consumer radios have been introduced that have 22 channels. Many of these radios have been certified for unlicensed operation (on the 14 FRS frequencies) under FRS rules.

The FCC rules and statements regarding the use of hybrid radios on channels 1-7 stipulate the need for GMRS licensing only when operating under the RULES that apply to the GMRS. Many hybrid radios have an ERP 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.

Channels 8-14 are reserved exclusively for the FRS, and GMRS operation is not allowed on these channels.

Channels 15-22 are reserved exclusively for GMRS, and FRS operation is not allowed on these channels
 

Official FRS - Family Radio Service Channels

List of FRS channels

Channel	Frequency (MHz)	Notes
1	462.5625	Unofficially designated the National Call Channel. Shared with GMRS
2	462.5875	Shared with GMRS
3	462.6125	Shared with GMRS
4	462.6375	Shared with GMRS
5	462.6625	Shared with GMRS
6	462.6875	Shared with GMRS
7	462.7125	Shared with GMRS
8	467.5625	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
9	467.5875	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
10	467.6125	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
11	467.6375	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
12	467.6625	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
13	467.6875	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)
14	467.7125	FRS use ONLY (GMRS not allowed)

 

Family Radio Service (FRS) The Official FCC Rules and Regulations for Family Radio Service

Family Radio Service (FRS) is one of the Citizens Band Radio Services. It is used by family, friends and associates to communicate within a neighborhood and while on group outings and has a communications range of less than one mile. You can not make a telephone call with an FRS unit. You may use your FRS unit for business-related communications.

Family Radio Service (FRS) Licensing

License documents are neither needed nor issued. You are provided authority to operate a FRS unit in places where the FCC regulates radio communications as long as you use only an unmodified FCC certified FRS unit. An FCC certified FRS unit has an identifying label placed on it by the manufacturer. There is no age or citizenship requirement.

Family Radio Service (FRS) Operations

You may operate your FRS unit within the territorial limits of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, and the Caribbean and Pacific Insular areas ("U.S."). You may also operate your FRS unit on or over any other area of the world, except within the territorial limits of areas where radio- communications are regulated by another agency of the U.S. or within the territorial limits of any foreign government.

FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radios

Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios on the basis that:

• Some channels are authorized to both services, or
• A user of the radio may communicate with stations in the other service.

Radios marketed as 'FRS/GMRS' or 'dual-service radios' are available from many manufacturers and many retail or discount stores. The manual that comes with the radio, or the label placed on it by the manufacturer, should indicate the service the unit is certified for. If you cannot determine what service the unit may be used in, contact the manufacturer.

If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas.