Do I need a FCC License?
FCC LICENSING INFO
The most common question we are asked is “do I need a license to use these business radios?
The answer is Yes and No… you do need an FCC license to use most two way radios sold today. Some estimate that as high as 80% of all small businesses DO NOT get an FCC license for one reason or another, cost, inconvenience, radio purchased doesn’t require it… as there are quite a few models of two ways that do not require a license. Please see the radios listed below.
FCC LICENSE REQUIRED – Business Radio Service (BRS) describes a series of frequencies on the VHF and UHF two-way radio bands. In the United States, private use of these frequencies requires a federal license issued by the U.S. FCC. These radios are pretty much all other radios not listed below and are UHF | VHF | Analog | Digital. Instructions come in each box or we can provide you with a license service that can help. This is a very “GENERAL” statement, fee’s start at about $600 for 5 channels (frequencies) and is good for 10 years – so about $60 per year for and Itinerant License. If you need a Simplex License, then the fee will be more. See our page about the difference to see which you will need. Operating without an FCC license can put you and your company at risk of hefty fines, imprisonment, and having your equipment confiscated. With a license, you will be granted the exclusive use of a frequency. Available frequencies can be found in the owner’s manual of each product. If you need assistance completing a form or filing information, contact the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 1-888-CALL-FCC or CLICK HERE to learn more.
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NO FCC LICENSE REQUIRED – 900Mhz ISM FHSS Radios – these radios are ready to use right out of the box and DO NOT require you to register them with government or pay any additional fees to the FCC. They are simple, hassle free and a popular choice with the medical field, schools, security teams and anyone that want’s or needs privacy. Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) A type of multiple access is achieved allowing hundreds of transmitter/receiver pairs to be operated simultaneously on the same band. Motorola has deployed a business-banded, license-free digital radio that uses FHSS technology. Some walkie-talkies that employ frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology have been developed for unlicensed use on the 900 MHz band. Info courtesy of Wikipedia.
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NO FCC LICENSE REQUIRED – VHF Radios Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is a licensed by rule two-way radio service like the older Citizens Band (CB). Established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in the fall of 2000, MURS created a radio service allowing for licensed by rule (Part 95) operation in a narrow selection of the VHF band, with a power limit of 2 watts. The FCC formally defines MURS as “a private, two-way, short-distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public.” – Operates in accordance with the rules contained in Sections 95.1301-95.1309. Info courtesy of Wikipedia. Note: Most of the VHF models of the BRS radios listed below can be programmed on the MURS frequencies if they are 2 Watts of Power or less.
Insert Product: RMM2050
NO FCC LICENSE REQUIRED – Nationwide Broadband Push To Talk – these radios have monthly fee’s attached to them like a cell phone does but also offer nationwide coverage by using the cellular networks. They allow users to communicate instantly with a push of a button, akin to traditional two-way radios, but without distance limitations. Additionally, some of these devices support Wi-Fi calling for areas with weak cellular signals, ensuring reliable connectivity. Equipped with features like AI-based noise suppression and crystal-clear audio quality, these devices are perfect for noisy environments. Safety features such as lone worker alerts and fall detection are integrated to enhance user security. Remote management is a breeze, as administrators can configure and update the devices through a web portal, ensuring optimal performance. These units integrate seamlessly with each other, providing a unified communication system that blends cellular and Wi-Fi based devices to meet diverse communication needs with a monthly cost.
Insert Product: TLK110 and TLK25
NO FCC LICENSE REQUIRED – Family Radios: Family Radios Services (FRS) and General Mobile Radios Services (GMRS) were combined in May of 2017 as part of the FCC Part 95 reform. Consumer FRS/GMRS two-way radios that listed at 2 watts or less are now considered FRS radios and you are no longer required to apply for a GMRS license from the FCC. The license is now “IMPLIED” and the simple act of purchasing the radios gives you a license to use them on all 22 channels. Note, there are exceptions for radios with more power or one’s that have repeater capabilities. Info courtesy of Wikipedia.
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Do retail sellers report to the FCC that I purchased a two-way radio?
No. The retailers you purchase from are no way affiliated with the FCC, or the licensing process. It is an “honor” system basically.
*Definitions courtesy of Wikipedia, Motorola, Kenwood and others.
