UK Walkie talkie frequencies

Ensure Very High Frequency (VHF) signals for devices are those with a frequency of 30MHz – 300MHz and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio signals are between 300MHz and 3000MHz. Walkie talkie transmissions can extend from a couple of hundred metres to a few miles or more, depending on their power output (measured in watts), whether your model uses digital or analogue transmission, the location of the device and the type of frequency you use (VHF or UHF). Walkie talkies, or two-way radios, transmit and receive information through radio signals at a number of possible frequencies, using either digital or analogue technology.

Find out more information here:

Licence Options

There are eight licence-free UHF walkie-talkie channels in the UK, as well as channels for businesses that require a licence from OFCOM. These channels are licensed because they protect communications for life-saving services including the police, emergency services, railways, military, air traffic control and marine services, by ensuring that they remain clear from interference by other users. There are specific models of walkie talkies designed for businesses that operate on the licensed UHF (400 – 470MHz) and VHF (136 – 174MHz) channels and which require a licence.

Transmissions

Walkie talkie transmissions can extend from a couple of hundred metres to a few miles or more, depending on their power output (measured in watts), whether your model uses digital or analogue transmission, the location of the device and the type of frequency you use (VHF or UHF). The range of your walkie talkie will depend on where you use it – a built up area reduces the transmitting range of your walkie talkie, whereas a flat, open environment will enable wider transmission. For longer-range transmission, VHF signals between 136 and 174 MHz are recommended, because they are better for reaching greater distances for the same power output. This is why VHF is used in maritime radio. However, UHF signals (400 – 470MHz) are better for built-up areas, giving better penetration for the same power. If you are looking for a general walkie talkie frequency, UHF is probably your best choice.

To complicate things further, traditionally, a walkie talkie is a transceiver that is set to use analogue FM signals. With the growth of digital technology, a number of digital two-way radios are available and use licence-free digital private mobile radio (dPMR446) and digital mobile radio (DMR) channels transmitting at 446.1 – 446.2 MHz. These products may have a better range and sound quality, but they are much more expensive. Digital walkie talkies allow conversations between multiple users as well as encrypted one-to-one communications, text messaging and safety calls, and they are designed to also support traditional analogue signals. However, there may be compatibility issues for different types of digital walkie talkies.

Licence-free walkie talkies

Licence-free walkie talkies are specifically designed to be used so that they will not interfere with priority signals, and they and they can be used by anyone within the UK without a licence. These are less expensive and less powerful than walkie talkies designed for licensed frequencies, but they can serve many everyday needs. They are usually called 'PMR446' radios because of their frequencies, and can only have a power output of 0.5 watts, which means that their range is less than the more powerful licensed business walkie talkies, which have power outputs of 4 to 5 watt (or up to 25 watts for vehicle radios and 'base stations'). Because they are more powerful, licensed radios have a larger range and a better signal penetration in buildings. Licence-free walkie talkies may also experience more interference if they are used in an area with multiple users on the same channels, but this can be overcome by using a model that supports 'codes', as described below, or by switching channel. Because they are cheaper they are easier to replace than the more powerful models.

PMR walkie talkie frequencies

There are eight 'licence-free' (PMR446) UHF channels licensed for use within the UK, and these run in 12.5Khz internals (listed here in MHz):

1. 446.00625

2. 446.01875

3. 446.03125

4. 446.04375

5. 446.05625

6. 446.06875

7. 446.08125

8. 446.09375

Tones and codes

Walkie talkies may also be set up to use a number of possible 'identification tones' on each channel. You set your radios to a given channel and tone, and you will only hear messages from other radios set to the same combination. There are two types of codes available – continuous tone-coded squelch system (CTCSS) or digital-coded squelch (DCS). However, it is these codes will not be suitable for life-saving services who need to gain access to a particular channel in a particular location at a given time.

In the US, a system of FRS and GMRS channels are used which are roughly equivalent to the PMR channels, but devices that use these are not licensed in the UK. The PMR frequencies have been 'harmonised' for use around Europe, but you should check whether they have been authorised in a particular country you intend to use them in. For instance, in America, the PMR frequencies are generally used for amateur radio.

UK walkie talkie frequencies and licence options

The Simple UK Light walkie-talkie licence is available from OFCOM for a standard five-year fee of around £75 per organisation, and allows for transmission across a specific range of frequencies for all users who have this licence. It may be used anywhere in the UK. Alternatively, there are a number of custom licence options can be created to access a specific frequency or for exclusive use of a frequency by your organisation within a certain limited range. The price for this licence varies according to demand for radio frequency in the area, and the frequency cannot be used outside of that area. Finally, a Business Radio Suppliers' licence can be used if you hire your walkie talkies from a particular retailer, or borrow a device for trial.

ITU

The international Telecommunication Union is an agency of the UN that deals with communications technology. The ITU establishes standards that the industry adheres to. The frequency of radio waves categorises different wave lengths into different ranges, such as UHF or VHF.

UHF

Ultra-high frequency is in the frequency of radio waves range between 300 megahertz (MHz) and 3 gigahertz (GHz). This frequency is also known as the decimetre band as the wavelengths themselves range from a tenth of a metre, up to 1 metre. Decimetre just means a tenth of a metre. UHF radio waves work mainly through line of sight and are blocked by buildings and hills.

VHF

Lower frequencies than the UHF, the Very high frequency of radio waves spectrum is defined by the ITC as between 30 megahertz to 300 megahertz. These also are subject to having a line of sight as they are blocked by buildings and hills. They can however, travel around 100 miles due to refraction. The VHF is widely used by Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and FM radio broadcasters. This range is also used for 2-way radio systems from emergencies to marine communication.

FRS

The Family Radio Service is a personal radio with frequency of radio waves transmitters and receivers in the devices set up for closer range.FRS uses channel frequencies between 462 MHz and 467 MHz, which places it in the UHF range. In short ranges, the FRS can be more predictably used instead of license free radio channels.

PMR

The more traditional system for the 2-way radio system most people would know, the Professional Mobile Radio is the person-to-person voice communication used in walkie-talkies. For use when 2 people are on the same site but need to communicate when not near each other. There can be matric like system where more than 2 devices use the same network, but only one can talk at a time. Usually by pressing down a button to activate the microphone.

GMRS

The General mobile Radio Service is another form of professional mobile radio. Designed for 2-way communications over short distances. The GMRS is an American standard for 2-way communication, and cannot communicate with UK walkie-talkies. In fact, the frequencies used for GMRS would interfere with some emergency services.

FM

A form of broadcasting radio, FM stands for frequency modulation. FM radio offers higher fidelity of sound over the waves. FM radio encodes the audio data and sends it to the receivers, the receivers then decode the information and play the sounds through a speaker.

CB

UK CB radio frequencies range over 40 channels within the 27 MHz band. Citizens band radio was introduced legally in 1981 but was used illegally prior to this. CB was deregulated by Ofcom which has now enabled it to be license free. UK CB radio frequencies are mainly used in farming communities and in Land Rover cars.

Walkie-Talkie codes

Due to the nature of radio communications, it is important to be as unambiguous as possible to convey your message. There has been universal code language adopted for walkie-talkie use to make sure there is no confusion. Used for military purposes but have also been adopted by the private sector, Motorola business radios are great but depending on interference, could have a static noise.

Here are some of the most common codes:

10-4

The most well-known numbered code we see in movies, 10-4 simply means the message was received.

10-9

If the message was obscured or hard to hear, 10-9 would be a request to repeat the message.

10-20

Most likely referenced in the question, “what is your 20”, or the statement “got your 20”; 10-20 is the same as saying my location is XYZ. 20 simply means location.

Roger

A quicker and easier way of saying you understood the message. Back when morse code was the communication used, the letter R represented the word received, which became the word roger.

Copy

This also means that the message was received. 

Over

To indicate that you have finished speaking for the moment. Out Used after the word over, to indicate you have finished your current transmission and will not be responding further.

 If you would like to learn more about walkie talkies, you can check out their history or our short guide to walkies and our epic guide to walkie talkies.  Contact us today for any queries or questions you have regarding any of our radios,