Recent changes in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio frequency classification could mark the beginning of expanded GMRS and FRS bands available for public use. While these measures are not yet final, there is ongoing discussion about the potential positive impact such changes could have on public radio networks.

Releasing Frequencies and Their Potential

Cordless landline phones, once widely used, are now considered outdated technology, having been replaced by mobile devices in both business and personal settings. However, the frequencies previously allocated by the FCC for these devices remain restricted due to existing federal regulations. Last year, a petition was submitted to the FCC to address this issue, and recent commission documents suggest a possible review of the status of these frequencies.

Currently, the main public two-way radio band in the United States operates in the UHF range between 462.5500 MHz and 467.7250 MHz. Meanwhile, the lower-frequency VHF bands once used by old cordless phones—specifically, 46 MHz and 49 MHz—are now largely unused.

New FCC Decisions

The FCC recently made a final decision to remove the 46 MHz frequency from its current classification. Although this does not guarantee immediate public access to this frequency for GMRS and FRS use, it is seen as a first step toward possible public availability. The petition notes that low-frequency VHF bands could provide more reliable personal and emergency communications. VHF radio waves travel farther and can penetrate dense forests and challenging terrain, making them especially valuable during natural disasters.

At the same time, the 49 MHz frequency, once popular in baby monitors, has not yet been reclassified. The petition has been updated to request that the FCC consider opening both frequencies for public use.