| The business band describes a series of frequencies | | | | in the long run and enjoy a better service. |
| on the VHF and UHF two-way radio bands which are | | | | Longer Battery Life |
| reserved for usage by businesses. They are usually | | | | Business two way radios usually include much larger |
| less populated than public frequencies, so they have | | | | batteries, making them able to run more than 12 hours |
| less cross-chatter with unaffiliated parties. The exact | | | | per charge. Consumer two way radios, on the |
| frequencies this band uses depend on your domestic | | | | contrary, include smaller batteries which provide around |
| regulator, as this is not a global service. | | | | 8 hours of usage. |
| Do I really need a business two way radio? | | | | Accessories |
| Business two way radios are more expensive than | | | | Business radios typically have a better selection of |
| consumer two way radios, even though their features | | | | accessories than consumer radios. If accessories, such |
| are usually very similar. However, there is a number of | | | | as headsets or earpieces, are important to your |
| reasons why you would be better off using more | | | | business, you should look at what accessories are |
| expensive business two way radios for your | | | | available before you choose a radio. Things like rapid |
| company, rather than GMRS of FRS radios. | | | | chargers and multi unit chargers are only available for |
| Licensing and Power Issues | | | | business radios. |
| We can easily exclude FRS radios from our list, since | | | | Durability |
| their 0.5 watt limit on transmission power makes them | | | | Another important factor is the increased durability of |
| unsuitable for reliable business usage at ranges which | | | | business two way radios. While consumer radios are |
| exceed half a mile. GMRS radios, on the other hand, | | | | designed for infrequent use, business radio products |
| look a bit more tempting. The problem with them is that | | | | are designed to hold up to much more abuse. Their |
| GMRS licenses are only issued to individuals (and their | | | | construction is much more sturdy and with better |
| immediate family members), meaning that every | | | | materials. Many are build to military specifications. This, |
| employee of your company who wants to use a radio, | | | | of course, in addition to their larger batteries, makes |
| would need a license (unless you run a family business, | | | | them a bit heavier than consumer two way radios. |
| of course) at 80$ per license. | | | | Verdict |
| These licenses are good for 5 years, after that they | | | | Bearing the above information in mind, it should now be |
| need to be re-issued. A business band license for your | | | | obvious why a professional who is serious about his |
| business (i.e., all employees) costs $105. While the initial | | | | communication needs should get a business band two |
| acquisition of business two way radio devices is a bit | | | | way radio. |
| more expensive, you will actually save licensing money | | | | |