FRS vs GMRS

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service (FRS) have some common areas, as well as a great many differences.

The Family Radio Service has 14 channels.  No FCC license is required.  FRS radios are 14 channel radios only.

The FRS frequencies are below.

FRS Frequencies

* = indicates frequencies are shared with the GMRS service.  On a 14 channel FRS radio, you are authorized to use these frequencies without a license.  On a 22 Channel radio, you may only operate with low power without a license.  To operate with high power, you require a GMRS license.

GMRS

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) has 23 frequencies.  An FCC license is required to use all frequencies.  A consumer grade GMRS radio has 22 channels.  An FCC license is required to operate on all channels, except channels 1-14, which are FRS-only frequencies.  You must only operate in low power mode on channels 1-7.  A GMRS license is required to use high power.   Failure to have a license can result in financial penalties of $10,000 per offense!

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Frequencies

Station Type Frequency (MHz)
Mobile station or small base station operating in the simplex mode* 462.5625*
462.5875*
462.6125*
462.6375*
462.6625*
462.6875*
462.7125*
All Legal GMRS communication modes. 462.550
462.575
462.600
462.625
462.650
462.675
462.700
462.725

Repeater Input frequencies Only.  Not for direct communication.

 

 467.550
467.575
467.600
467.625
467.650
467.675
467.700
467.725

* These channels are shared with the Family Radio Service. FRS operators are restrricted to 500 mW ERP.  GMRS licensees are restricted to 5 watts ERP.

It is now common for most consumer-grade two way radios to have 22 channels.  14 channel FRS only radios are rare. 
As such, it is extremely important to understand the above information.  Serious financial penalties can be imposed when found in violation of regulations.

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Comments?  Questions?  Email: gmrspage@yahoo.com

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