| The Mobile CB Radio has been around since the FCC | | | | out, they never really died with long-haul truckers, as |
| created the classification in 1945, but really began to | | | | the technology really is perfect for this use. People are |
| gain ground when solid-state technology was | | | | finding out that citizens band radios are just plain fun to |
| developed in the early 1960's. Operating on a selection | | | | use, and really cheap, too! Once you get past the initial |
| of 40 channels within the 27-MHz (11 m) band, a license | | | | purchase (can be as low as $100), there are no further |
| by the FCC isn't required, and CB radios are fairly | | | | charges for use. No billed minutes, nothing even |
| inexpensive to buy. | | | | remotely complex about these radios at all. In fact, as |
| Used mostly by long-haul 18-wheel truckers to get | | | | cell phones become more like little computers, I wonder |
| road conditions and to provide company on lonely | | | | if folks just like the inherent simplicity and ease of use |
| roads, the CB radio was made popular for "civilian" use | | | | incredibly appealing. |
| by the movie "Smokey And The Bandit" in 1977. | | | | Since cell phones operate with a complex and |
| Starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, Jerry Reed and | | | | high-tech network of satellites in geosynchronous orbit |
| Jackie Gleason, it's about a trucker and his friend | | | | with the Earth, a problem with any of this complex and |
| transporting illegal beer cross country to a high-paying | | | | expensive hardware could wipe out most |
| customer. These radios, and a black Pontiac Trans | | | | communications in the US, as the reliance on satellite |
| Am, played an important part in that movie, and the | | | | technology has literally blossomed over the decades. |
| public bought them (and Trans Ams) in droves. | | | | But, if cell phones go down in a big way, you can |
| As newer technology communications like the cellular | | | | surely count on a mobile CB radio to keep in touch |
| telephone was introduced in the early 1980's, the CB | | | | with the world, as they broadcast through the air |
| radio's popularity began to decline. Compared to cell | | | | without benefit of any high-tech components. While the |
| phones, the lowly citizens band radio was decidedly | | | | range may be limited, the functionality will be there. |
| old-fashioned, and limited in use, thanks to a maximum | | | | Whether you use a base, a handheld or a mobile CB |
| 5-mile range. | | | | radio, you posses a potent, reliable and fun means of |
| Fast forward to the 2000's, and the evergreen mobile | | | | communications. |
| CB radio is finding its niche all over again. As it turns | | | | |