(Disclaimer: This post is for basic information only. We do NOT guarantee that ANY of this information is correct. Please go to https://www.fcc.gov to get the updated rules and regulations.)
Operating a Citizens Band (CB) Device
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), anyone except a foreign government or representative of a foreign government, a federal government agency, or someone who has received an FCC cease-and-desist order that is still in effect, may operate a CB transmitter regardless of their age.
CB transmitters are also allowed in both the personal and business sectors. While the FCC used to issue CB Radio Service licenses, it doesn’t do so any longer and no individual license is required to operate a CB transmitter.
There are, however, certain restrictions.
A CB transmitter must be certified by the FCC, and those that have been certified for use may be found on the FCC website page https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm. All manufacturers must label their transmitters as certified for use by the FCC before selling them.
Also, according to the FCC, “None of the CB channels are assigned for the exclusive use of any station. You must cooperate in the selection and use of the channels in order to make the most efficient use of them and to reduce the possibility of interference. If you use a CB station to transmit a message, you cannot talk with another station for more than 5 minutes continuously and then you must wait at least one minute before starting another communication.”
Other points to consider:
· CB transmitters may not have increased power output.
· CB transmitters may not be modified internally.
· No “linear”, “linear amplifier” or other type of power amplifier may be attached to a CB transmitter.
· Antennas mounted on vehicles or hand-held devices have no height restrictions.
· There are height restrictions for antennas on structures. The highest point of your antenna is not allowed to be higher than 20 feet from the highest point of whatever structure the antenna is mounted on (such as a building or tree). Nor can the tip of the antenna be more than 60 feet from the ground. If your base station is located within two miles of an airport, further restrictions apply.
· Each operator is allowed to have an on-the-air “handle” (name) of whatever you choose to call yourself.
· No CB channel can be bought or claimed by any specific individual or organization; it’s on a ‘take-turns’ basis. The CB band operates on 11mHz. There are 40 frequencies ranging from 26.965 MHz – 27.405 MHz.
· Channel 9 is reserved for emergencies and fotraveler assistance.
· Emergency communications are always priority and on all channels regardless of whether Channel 9 is being used.
The FCC service rules for the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) are located in 47 C.F.R.Part 95.
Because of the upgraded power of the 10-meter radios, they are strictly regulated by the FCC, though unlike CB’s, 10-meter radios and equipment may be built and/or modified by the owner.
Amateurs must have a call sign for identification purposes and must also pass a test to receive their amateur radio license. There are three licensing levels, and a new test must be passed to advance to the next level. Federal Communications Commission | TheUnited States of America
There are three operator licenses available to those who wish to operate 10-meter and other transmitters requiring licensing.
(The following italicized information is taken directly from https://www.fcc.gov.)
Technician
The privileges of a Technician Class operator license include operating an amateur station that may transmit on channels in any of 17 frequency bands above 50 MHz with up to 1,500 watts of power. To pass the Technician Class examination, at least 26 questions from a 35 question written
examination must be answered correctly. Technician Class licensees also have privileges in four amateur service bands in the HF range (3-30 MHz) (Refer to Section 97.301(e)).
General
The General Class operator license authorizes privileges in all 29 amateur service bands. Upon accreditation by a Volunteer-Examiner Coordinator (VEC), an individual can help administer certain examinations. In addition to the above written examination, the requirement for a General Class operator license includes a 35 question written examination for which 26 correctly answered questions is the minimum passing score.
Amateur Extra
The privileges of an Amateur Extra Class operator license include additional spectrum in the HF bands. In addition to the two above written examinations, the requirement for an Amateur Extra Class operator license includes answering correctly at least 37 questions on a 50 question written examination.
The following three licenses are no longer being issued to new operators but have been grandfathered and can be renewed if you already have one.
Novice
The Novice Class operator license is for persons who have passed the 5 wpm telegraphy examination, but only the first part of the written examination formerly required for the Technician Class. Privileges include four bands in the HF range, one band in the VHF range (30-300 MHz), and one band in the UHF range (300-3,000 MHz).
Technician Plus
(If renewed, Technician Plus will now be converted to Technician Class; it will also be converted to Technician Class when modified to show a vanity call sign.)
The Technician Plus Class operator license was issued to Technician Class licensees, who, in addition to passing a written examination, also had passed at least a 5wpm telegraphy examination. A Technician Plus Class licensee is authorized with the same privileges of a Technician Class licensees plus the privileges of a Novice Class licensee.
Advanced
The privileges of an Advanced Class operator license include 275 kHz of additional spectrum in the HF bands.
