In 1996, the FCC introduced the FRS (Family Radio Service) band. FRS is intended as a free use short range radio service for families and individuals. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), which has been around for years prior, offers more powerful communications, but is not free for everyone to use.

Current model radios often combine FRS and GMRS bands into one device, and can be purchased by anyone. Although it's great that better technology is becoming cheaper, the availablity of all-in-one radios have caused a lot of confusion about what the differences are, and how to properly use each band.

FRS and GMRS radios are essentially the same thing, and even share some of the same frequenceies. However, there are some significant differences between the two that separate how each is supposed to be used.

FRS

• Free to use by anyone except commercial businesses
• Transmit power
  is limited to 500mw
• They cannot have a removeable antenna
• The maximum range is usually no greater than a mile
• Do not have FRS only frequencies
• Repeater stations are not allowed

GMRS

• FCC license required ($80 for a 5-year license) to operate
• Can have 1 to 5 watts of transmit power
• Can have a removeable antenna
• Capable of transmitting between 5 and 25 miles.
• Have some specific frequencies for GMRS use only
• Can use a repeater station to extend range

The current crop of FRS/GMRS all-in-ones don't explain the differences between these two bands very well. Since the all-in-one radios have hit the streets, the GMRS band has been flooded with unlicensed users. It's important for owners to know that if they own an FRS/GMRS combo, they should not use the GMRS band unless they have a license. Even though the GMRS band is rarely policed, anyone caught using the GMRS band without an FCC license is punishable by law.