Facts About Licence-Free (PMR446) Radios

Released On 10th Feb 2022

Radio transmitters, including two-way radios, and the VHF or UHF frequencies they operate on, are governed, licensed and co-ordinated by ComReg in Ireland. 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.
• Licence-free radios are more often referred to as "walkie talkies" than their higher-powered, licensed counterparts. It doesn't matter whether you call them walkie talkies or two-way radios.
• 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 in Ireland, the rest of the European Union and the UK.
• 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 a ComReg 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.

Browse our shop for an extensive range of licence-free radios and headsets from Motorola, Hytera, Icom and Kenwood.

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 Ireland, other EU countries and the UK.

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.)

Are walkie-talkies easy to use?

Walkie-talkies really are easy to operate, especially the cheaper, licence-free varieties, as they tend to have fewer functions than their licensed, more technically advanced counterparts. Start by making sure both sending and receiving radios are swtiched on and tuned to the same channel - there will be a channel selector button on the radio. Remember, unlike a mobile phone, only one person at a time can speak. The large Push-to-Talk button does exactly that - when you push it in, you're transmitting. Release the PTT button when you've finished speaking, and if the other person then wants to reply, they do exactly the same.

UK and EU radio frequencies for licence-free radios

Until January 2018 there were just eight frequencies for licence-free radios in the EU and 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 fast delivery throughout Ireland and to any EU destination.

Get in touch for friendly advice if you’re having trouble deciding which radio is suitable for you. Call 1800 936374.