1. FRS(Family Radio Service) products don’t require a license to operate.
The disadvantage of using Family Radio Service frequencies is that communication can only take place over relatively short distances, such as less than a mile. So if you need to be able to stay in touch with your friends, family members or business associates at greater distances than that, then FRS radio frequencies just won’t cut it.
What’s great about FRS, however, is that you don’t need an FCC license in order to operate these radios. This is in contrast to GMRS radios which, while able to operate at longer distances than FRS, first require that you obtain a license in order to get started. This may put off a number of buyers, so if your communication needs are fairly short range, then FRS radios may be a better alternative.
So making use of an FRS radio will save you the hassle of having to apply for a license on a regular basis, as well as having to pay related licensing fees or costs. If you’re not looking to spend all that much, or if you have only a limited budget, then this freedom from licensing can result in significant savings of funds as well as of time and energy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that GMRS radios require that licensees be at least 18 years old. So if you’re younger than that, you’re out of luck. In contrast, FRS radios do not have a minimum age requirement. So even if you’re still in your teens, that fact alone won’t stop you from obtaining and using an FRS radio.
2. FRS products can be used by small businesses.
Again, this is one area where FRS can edge out GMRS. It’s quite clear that small businesses have been allowed by the FCC to make use of FRS frequencies. It’s also quite clear, however, that businesses are restricted from making use of GMRS.
So if you’re looking for a means of two way communication for your small business, you’ll probably tend to favor FRS as a relatively inexpensive communications service. You’ll tend to save money up front because FRS products tend to be less expensive than their more powerful counterparts. And unlike mobile phones, once you purchase the radios, they’re good to go with relatively few recurring expenses. This is a far cry from mobile phones which have a monthly charge to watch out for, which can accumulate to quite a large amount over the course of a year.