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VHF Two-Way Radio Frequency Specs

Regulators segment various radio frequencies into band plans. These plans govern the use of radio spectrum within that country, or within a given international region. The very high frequency (VHF) spectrum -- marked by signals from 30 MHz to 300 MHz -- includes several different bands, each of which has specific usage or licensing requirements. Just owning a VHF two-way radio isn't enough: You must use the radio within the confines of a specific band plan, or face the wrath (and fines) of the Federal Communications Commission.

Amateur Radio
- The FCC grants exclusive use of several VHF bands to licensed amateur radio operators. Hams can use the 6 Meters (50 MHz to 54 MHz), 2 Meters (144 MHz to 148 MHz) and 1.25 Meters (222 MHz to 225 MHz) bands to communicate. Many portable two-way devices send and receive on the 2 Meters band.
BRS and MURS
- Multi-Use Radio Service consists of five channels in the 151 MHz and 154 MHz spectrum. No federal license is necessary for MURS; the service is designed for short-range two-way transfer and the band is basically a free-for-all.
  
  Business Radio Service, however, does require a license. BRS is used for low-power, two-way communication for businesses. Several frequencies are allotted to BRS depending on the power used by the transmitter.
Marine VHF
- Marine VHF channels lie between 156.050 MHz and 157.425 MHz. These frequencies are monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard and commercial and recreational boaters, and they are reserved for maritime communication, including emergencies and navigational assistance. Some larger ships are required by law to use marine radios; for these ships, a radio license is also required. Recreational boaters may use marine VHF frequencies without a license, but they must still follow federal laws about appropriate use of the radios -- including Mayday procedures. (
Weather Radio
- You can't lawfully transmit on a weather radio station operated by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, but you can tune in for 24-hour weather bulletins. NOAA weather radio transmits on seven discrete frequencies in the 162-MHz range.
Considerations
- Not all two-way radios use VHF. Citizen's band radio, for example, operates below 30 MHz. Many two-way devices intended for amateur radio operators include dual-band capability -- e.g., one radio uses both VHF and (commonly) UHF spectrums. Some two-way radios allow the user to dial in any frequency the radio can access; others -- especially ones intended for the BRS and MURS -- will only allow frequencies associated with that specific radio service's band plan.
  
  Transmitting on licensed frequencies without a license is a violation of federal law. The FCC investigates and can levy fines against violators. Hams, in particular, aggressively fight against unauthorized use of amateur radio service bands by unlicensed operators and will report violators to the local FCC coordinator.

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