Licence Free
What is Licence Free Radio?
Its official title is PMR446. In spring of 1999 the Government with the European Union agreed to free up the 446 MHz frequency for non-licensed hand portable radio use. These radios can be used in most of Europe but not beyond it.
It is a short range voice only communication system which provides a basic but very effective radio service for both the business and non business user. The radios need no license and there are no call charges to pay. It can be used by anyone of any age.
The frequencies are shared which means you may get interference in heavily used areas. To reduce this there are up to 8 channels available, each with 38 different codes, this gives a maximum of 304 channel options. Changing channels and/or CTCSS tone should reduce interference from other users.
To conform to PMR446 legislation - radios must be hand portable, with a non- removable antenna and a maximum output power of 500mW.
Who can benefit from PMR 446?
Licence free is frequently used in the business community where the additional cost and complication of having licensed radios is not required. Typical users are:
- Offices
- Leisure Centres
- Factories
- Building sites
- Airfields as well numerous others.
Consumers use them on the ski slopes, out cycling, walking or at the shopping centre. Others take advantage of the voice activated option available on many models and use them as long range baby monitors.
What is the range of a Licence Free Radio?
In an open area License free radios can achieve a talk range of up to 3km, possibly more if the conditions are right. In built up areas the range can be restricted to perhaps 0.5km, but this is really dependent on how clear the path is between you and the other person with whom you are communicating.
Which model should I choose?
Whilst there are many cheap options available from the supermarkets, these are only really suitable for leisure users.
Business users are advised to consider a professional version of the radio such as the Motorola XTNi or XTNiD.
This is Motorola’s newest addition to the license free market for business and everyday use. This radio boasts a range of approximately 8km, depending on terrain.
The Motorola XTNi & XTNiD radios follow on from the highly successful XTN446, taking professional unlicensed radio to a new level. Built to Military specification & IP55, its the most rugged & robust radio in its class.
Guide price for this radio is £140-150.00 ex VAT.
