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GMRS is the acronym that stands for General Mobile Radio Service. First introduced in the 1960s, it was originally called Class A Citizens Radio.

What is a GMRS Radio? GMRS radios usually are small handheld devices that have a very similar appearance to FRS or Family Radio Service radios. The two services have several things in common, even using the same frequencies. The major difference is that FRS does not require a license with access to public stations and commercials bands. These 2 way radios are popular because they are easy to use and there is no monthly or annual fee that must be paid to operate them.

Small businesses that are run by families use this radio system to keep in touch with other members throughout the work day. This provides them with a much less expensive communication system than buying individual cell phones for all the personnel that need to communicate with each other every day. A setup like this can help a family-run business save thousands of dollars in communication costs that they otherwise would need to pay to a cellular company for the expenses of operating that type of system.

GMRS Advantages – When you use a GMRS radio there are no airtime charges. The only expenses are the cost of the radio itself and the federal license that is required. You do not need to dial a number when you use a GMRS radio and this makes them much easier to use than a cell phone. All you do to speak is push a button, and when you want to listen you release that button. Also, you will never have to be concerned about areas with poor reception as you do when you are using a cell phone.

Required FCC License – The GMRS radio service’s name was changed from Class A Citizens Radio to GMRS when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided that people who use the service should have a license. The FCC determined that if it required users to be licensed, only people who would actually participate would use the airways.

Also, through the process of licensing, public records were created that would keep track of who used the system and could also help to identify any malfunctions that could cause interference on any channels being used.

Licensing also is a way to ensure that GMRS license applicants opt for the type of radio service that would be appropriate for them. The service typically is used by family members who run their own business and want to stay in touch with each other on a daily basis without having to pay for a private radio operation.

Obtaining a Valid License – It is important to note that people operating a GMRS radio service without a duly authorized FCC issued a license are subject to legal actions taking place as well as the imposition of a fine. The application process is fairly simple by going online and filing either a Universal Licensing System (ULS) or fill out an FCC form 605 which you can download and print from their website.

Facts About GMRS Licenses – The entire licensing process should take between 4 and 8 weeks to complete. The license application form will ask you to list all the family members that will be using the GMRS radio service, and the license will let everyone in your immediate family use it. The licensing fee normally costs about $85 and a license is good for five years before it has to be renewed.

Want to find out more about GMRS radio, then visit Aaron Bennett’s site for information on 2 way radios and the latest news on GMRS radio sets.

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