Family Radio Service (FRS)

What is FRS?

The Family Radio Service (FRS) was originally proposed for home use by Radio Shack in 1994. They saw the need to define and reserve special radio frequencies for consumers that were separate from other bandwidths reserved for other types of communications. While walkie-talkies have become increasingly popular with civilians since World War II, by the 1990s there was also increasing competition for radio frequencies. It has since been widely adopted by the commercial community as a license-free, low-cost alternative to the commercial band.

We are familiar with using FRS radios because they are ready to use out of the box and are typically used for outdoor recreational activities, i.e., hunting, hiking, mountain sports, etc. In addition they are the most commonly used radios by customers on Amazon and in retail stores. So yes they are the choice of most homes as well as small stores and retailers.

If you plan to use radios in close proximity within a 1-2 mile (depending on terrain) range, the Family Radio Service will be perfect for you.The FCC does not yet allow FRS users to use repeaters or signal boosters that can extend the range of their radios. If you find yourself in need of greater range or are located in a dense area that impedes signaling, it is important to consider upgrading to a more powerful two-way radio that uses GMRS.

GMRS Radio and FRS Radio

This is a question that is often asked by customers using personal radio service. The question is very simple and very reasonable. This is because GMRS and FRS radios have many similarities. They coexist in the 462-467 MHz frequency range in the UHF band. Sharing the same 22 simplex channels and frequencies. These channels and frequency assignments are standardized throughout the industry.

We have a related article to help you understand the differences between the two.

GMRS also has other exclusive repeater input channels GMRS license benefits include the ability to use repeaters, run higher power (up to 50 watts), and utilize external antennas for longer communication distances.

One caveat. A license is required to operate a GMRS radio. In contrast, FRS radios are licensed by rule, which means you only need to make a purchase to use it. 

Similar services in other countries

Because of differences in technical standards, FCC-approved devices may not work in other jurisdictions. 

As of September 2004, low-power GMRS radios and dual-standard GMRS/FRS radios have been approved for use in Canada and provide additional channels.

Dual mode GMRS/FRS equipment has also been authorized in Brazil and most South American countries.

Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Commission has authorized the use of FRS frequencies and equipment similar to those in the United States. Dual mode GMRS/FRS equipment is not authorized in Mexico.

In Europe, the provision of the Personal Radio Service is PMR 446. FRS radios cannot be legally used in Europe and, conversely, PMR 446 cannot be legally used in the United States.

A service similar to FRS is available in Hong Kong, Macau and China. However, mainly 20 channels close to 409 MHz are allocated. 462 MHz and 446 MHz bands are not yet open for FRS services. Residents of Europe, the United States and Canada are therefore advised not to use FRS or PMR446 radios for communications when traveling to these areas.

In Japan, a similar service uses low power in the 420, 421 and 422 MHZ bands. It is called "Tokutei Shodenryoku Musen" (Specific Low Power Radio). In Australia and New Zealand, the UHF CB citizen band around 477 MHZ is used for similar purposes.