FRS and GMRS vs. Shielded Signals

Family Radio Service (“FRS”) and General Mobile Radio Service (“GMRS”) radios are very inexpensive and easy to purchase. Typically, the radios come in handheld format, although there are some mobile GMRS radios. (FRS does not allow for mobile radios.) Like CB radio, there is generally no license required to use FRS or GMRS, unless you are interested in putting up a complex GMRS system.

There is no privacy on FRS or GMRS. While both systems offer “privacy codes” on their radios, these are simply sub-audible tones that mask transmissions from radios that do not have that same code enabled on the channel. That is easily circumvented by setting the radio to monitor that code or by setting the radio to monitor all communications. And encryption is forbidden on FRS and GMRS radios, so there is no expectation of privacy on any of these radios.

Feature FRS / GMRS Radios Shielded Signals (PRaaS™)
Frequency Band UHF 462–467 MHz shared channels (unlicensed FRS or licensed GMRS) Licensed VHF spectrum under FCC authorization
License Required ✘ FRS: None   
✔ GMRS: License required, but covers family only		 ✔ Covered under Shielded Signals’ FCC license; no individual licensing required
Encryption / Privacy ✘ Encryption is illegal under FCC Part 95; “privacy codes” only mask channels, not true security ✔ True AES-256 encryption, unique keys per customer or family
Range Usually 1–2 miles for handhelds; GMRS mobiles up to 5–10 miles in ideal conditions VHF handhelds typically a couple of miles depending on terrain; extendable through authorized repeaters
Infrastructure Dependence Uncoordinated open channels; easily congested or interfered Independent, interference-controlled licensed spectrum
Typical Use Recreational, camping, off-roading, or casual family contact Private, secure communication for families, teams, and organizations
Reliability Susceptible to interference, range inflation by marketing, and overlapping users Consistent performance within controlled coverage areas; professional-grade equipment
Professional Legitimacy Unregulated user behavior on shared channels; no oversight Governed by FCC rules and operated under Shielded Signals network control