Facts About Licence-Free (PMR446) Radios

Released On 10th Feb 2022

UPDATED 10/02/2022

Radio transmitters, including two way radios, and the VHF or UHF frequencies they operate on, are governed, licensed and co-ordinated by Ofcom in the UK. But not every two-way radio has to be licensed; some can operate on specific, licence-free (PMR446) frequencies. Here's a complete guide to explain more about licence-free radios.

• PMR stands for Personal Mobile Radio
• 446 refers to the UHF frequency range 446MHz, on which licence-free radios are permitted to operate. See the full list of frequencies below.
• Licence-free radios are generally lower-powered, handheld radios with a maximum power output of 0.5 watts. This gives them a much shorter range than their licensed counterparts.
• Depending on the surrounding terrain, the range can vary from a few hundred metres in a built-up area to a few kilometres in open ground. Typically, think line-of sight range for outdoor activities on a small site.
• You can use licence-free radios for business or personal use on a specific range of 16 UHF frequencies, both in the UK and across the European Union.
• PMR446 frequencies are only allowed to be used by lower-powered, shorter range licence-free radios; it's highly illegal to program a higher-performing business radio to these frequencies - these are supposed to operate under an Ofcom licence. 
• In the USA and Canada, the closest equivalent to a licence-free option is FRS or GMRS.

Licence-free two-way radios are manufactured with the permitted range of frequencies already programmed in. Power sources can vary, from basic models which use AA cells, to more advanced models which use Li-Ion rechargeable packs.

We stock an extensive range of licence-free radios at great prices. Browse our shop.

Benefits of a licence-free radio

• Less expensive than licensed radios
• Easy to use
• Pre-programmed radio frequencies
• No call charges
• No contracts
• Rechargeable versions give good operating time
• New digital technology has improved voice quality and performance
• No licence required! Neglible running costs
• Operate throughout the UK and in most EU countries

Disadvantages of licence-free radios

• Lower power, so their range is shorter (typically, a maximum of approximately 3km)
• Their popularity means the channels can often be congested
• Not ideal for business users, as transmissions can be intercepted by other users, so security is a concern.
• Not suitable for emergency use as channel usage is on a first-come-first served basis
• If users are too far apart they may suffer interference from other two-way radios within range

Who might use them?

There is a huge range of possibilities for the use of licence-free radios, for example:

• Construction workers
• Event managers
• Hotel and tourist attraction operators
• Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators
• Factory workers
• Farm and country estate workers
• Leisure use (hiking, cycling, camping, orienteering, shoots etc.)

What are the PMR 446 frequency bands?

Until January 2018 there were just eight frequencies for licence-free radios in the UK, ranging from 446.00625MHz to 446.09375MHz. After that, the frequency spectrum was expanded in line with Harmonised European Standards to create greater capacity across Europe.  

The extended frequencies now range from 446.0 to 446.2MHz, with a channel plan based on 6.25 kHz (for digital equipment) and 12.5 kHz (for analogue equipment) spacing. 

Here's a table showing the whole spectrum of PMR446 frequencies, with the channel plan.

Shop for Licence-free radios

RadioTrader stocks licence-free two-way radios from leading brands such as Motorola, Hytera, Icom, and Kenwood, all at great prices and with FREE delivery to the UK Mainland on orders over £100.00.

Get in touch for friendly advice if you’re having trouble deciding which radio is suitable for you. Call 0151 676 2888.

You might also be interested in:

• Do I need a licence for a two way radio?
• Free advice and application service for Ofcom licences
• Motorola launches its first waterproof, licence free walkie-talkie

Tags: Licence Free Radios, PMR Radios, Private Mobile Radio, Two Way Radios