A plain overview of ham radio, GMRS, FRS and CB radios for outages, what each does, and why licensing differs by country.
- FRS, GMRS, CB and ham radio are different services with different rules.
- Check Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or FCC rules before you buy or transmit.
- Test range in your own area and keep radios charged or on spare batteries.
When cell towers are overloaded or down, two-way radios can keep a household, a street or a neighbourhood in touch. They are not magic, though. Range is shorter than the packaging suggests, and rules about who may use which radio differ between Canada and the United States.
This is a plain overview, not a licensing guide. Always check the current rules with the regulator before you buy or transmit.
The main types of two-way radio
- FRS (Family Radio Service): small handheld radios sold for short range use. Good for staying in touch around a property or neighbourhood.
- GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): similar handhelds and vehicle radios that can use more power and sometimes repeaters, for longer reach. Rules differ by country.
- CB (Citizen's Band): a long established band, often used in vehicles and at home bases. Quality and range vary.
- Amateur (ham) radio: a hobby service with a qualification exam and a much wider range of bands, power and equipment, including repeaters and emergency networks.
- Marine VHF and other services: intended for boating and specific users. Do not use them as a general household channel.
Licensing differs by country
Do not assume that a radio sold on a shelf can be used freely, or used with every feature. In Canada, radio rules are set by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED, sometimes called Innovation Canada). In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the rules. Whether a licence is needed, what power is allowed, and whether you may use repeaters or certain channels can differ between the two, and can change.
Before you buy, search the regulator's website for the service name, read what applies to you, and follow the packaging's guidance. If a radio crosses the border with you, check the rules in both countries. Amateur radio requires a qualification and a call sign in both countries, and the exam and licence process is handled by approved bodies, so ask your national amateur radio association for the current steps.
What range to expect
Handheld range depends on terrain, buildings, trees, antenna and power. In a city with buildings in the way, expect a short distance. Open ground can give more. Do not trust the largest number on a package; test your radios in your own neighbourhood before you need them, and note which spots work.
Ham radio, particularly with repeaters or longer wave bands, can reach much further and is used by volunteer emergency communication groups. If this interests you, contact a local amateur radio club, which can explain equipment, training and how clubs support community emergencies.
Power and batteries
Radios are only useful if they are charged. Choose models that run on common batteries as well as a rechargeable pack, and keep spares. Many radios can charge from a USB power bank or a power station. See our guides on power banks for outages and the power stations hub.
Switching radios off between checks saves battery. Agree a schedule with your group, for example listening at a set time, so everyone is not draining batteries all day.
Receiving information, not only talking
Many people want a radio mostly to listen. An emergency radio with AM and FM bands, and in some regions weather channels, lets you hear official alerts and local updates when the internet is down. See our emergency radio guide and the alerts and outage reporting page.
A simple household radio plan
- Decide who needs a radio: each adult, older kids, a neighbour you check on.
- Pick a common channel and a backup channel, and write them on a card. Keep it simple.
- Set check in times, for example top of the hour for five minutes.
- Use plain language and short messages. Skip jargon, and do not share sensitive information, because others may be listening.
- Practice once before the next storm season, and add the plan to your family communication plan.
Radios work best as part of a plan, with a written contact list, meeting place and out of area contact. Use them to supplement phones and texts, not replace them.
Quick answers
Do I need a licence for a handheld radio?
It depends on the radio type, power and country. Check the current rules from ISED in Canada or the FCC in the United States before you transmit.
Can a two-way radio replace my phone in an emergency?
No. Use radios to supplement phones and texts, and call 911 or your local emergency number when you can.