GMRS: Who's on my channel without a license?

Many new GMRS licensees forget they share their channels with unlicensed Family Radio Service users

Summary of this article: This article explains why GMRS licensees may hear business users on their channels. We explain the sharing of frequencies between the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and the Family Radio Service (FRS). FRS and GMRS users share the same frequencies, although FRS users transmit with restrictions such as lower power and integral antennas. Our article also addresses common misconceptions about GMRS use, including who can use the frequencies.

I don’t think a week goes by where I don’t see someone post on social media that they are hearing unlicensed users on General Mobile Radio Service frequencies.

A retail store is shown here using FRS radios for its operations. This Midland LXT600 FRS radio is marketed for business users. FRS allows businesses to use radios without obtaining an FCC license. FRS users share frequencies with GMRS licensees. | Photo courtesy of Midland USA

Often these comments are made by new GMRS licensees who are surprised to hear a bevy of users on frequencies they think you have to be licensed to use. To top it off, they complain that the users aren’t using call signs. So what’s happening?