If cell phones go down, and I need a way to communicate, is a GMRS license what my family would want/need? What radio(s) would be great for that? What do I need to know?
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It is an FCC requirement to have a valid GMRS license when using GMRS frequencies. To obtain a GMRS license you can visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/ and file on-line. The fee is $35.00 and covers your entire family! It is good for 10 years? Radios that use GMRS GMRS Transceivers GigaParts.com
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Another consideration is what range you are thinking of.
GMRS coverage using repeaters is rather less than county wide. Without repeaters (could get knocked out by weather) only really a few miles.
There arent alot of choices for “offgrid communications” that reliably go beyond perhaps county wide besides Amateur Radio in the event of a commout. Of course you and yours would need to pass license tests if you take that up.
Having said that, Meshtastic is growing rapidly in our area, a text messaging form of radio. Right now communications is decently reliable across several North AL counties WITH SOME INTERNET SUPPORT. Some upcoming planned installations are expected to close the holes such as a repeater node on Brinley Mountain that will extend the reach and lessen reliability on connections that may get knocked out. Gigaparts does not, at the current time, sell Meshtastic devices, but it is being discussed.
Sue,
As you know GMRS is a great way to keep in touch with family, over about an 8 mile distance. Some areas have repeaters for GMRS which can expand that distance considerably. GigaParts offers several great GMRS hand helds that can let you get several for your family. In addition, GigaParts has some great home station radios for GMRS so your family can keep in touch with home. We also have antennas that would work with a home station.
Harry