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The Low Power Radio Service (LPRS) is a U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio service for specific short-distance voice, data, and tracking uses—not a general-purpose walkie-talkie service. Its permitted purposes include auditory assistance, certain health-care communications, law-enforcement tracking, and network control for qualifying maritime stations. The key limit: LPRS stations may not be used for two-way voice communications.

What does LPRS mean?

LPRS stands for Low Power Radio Service. The FCC created the service in 1996 for specified short-range, lower-power communications. Its current definition is in 47 CFR § 95.2103; operating requirements appear in Part 95, Subpart G. The current eCFR text was up to date through October 5, 2026.

LPRS is a regulatory service category, not a generic label for any low-power radio or a guarantee that a product marketed for a relevant purpose operates on LPRS frequencies or has the required FCC equipment authorization.

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What is LPRS used for?

Under 47 CFR § 95.2133, LPRS stations may transmit voice, data, or tracking signals for defined purposes:

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Auditory assistance

Authorized examples include assistive listening devices, audio description for blind people, and simultaneous language translation. These uses may serve people with disabilities, people who need translation, and others who benefit in educational settings.

Health-care communications

LPRS may be used for health-care-related communications for the ill. This is a defined use, not blanket authorization for ordinary personal or business radio traffic.

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Law-enforcement tracking

Tracking signals may be used for homing or interrogation, including tracking people or stolen goods, under the authority or agreement of a federal, state, or local law-enforcement agency with jurisdiction where the transmitters are placed.

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AMTS network control

LPRS can carry point-to-point network-control communications for coast stations in the Automated Maritime Telecommunications System (AMTS). This use is restricted to qualifying AMTS licensees and has additional operating conditions.

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Can LPRS be used for two-way radio conversations?

No. The rule states: “LPRS stations must not be used for two-way voice communications.” A permitted voice transmission for an authorized purpose does not make LPRS a two-way conversational radio service. People seeking ordinary two-way radio communications should not treat LPRS as a substitute.

Who may operate an LPRS station?

Subject to the general eligibility rules in Part 95, any person may operate an LPRS station for an authorized purpose. The AMTS exception is narrower: only a person holding an AMTS license under Part 80 may operate an LPRS station for AMTS purposes. The FCC’s general eligibility provision is in 47 CFR § 95.2103.

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What frequencies and power limits apply?

LPRS operates in the 216–217 MHz band. The rules list standard, extra-band, and narrowband channels; certain channels are reserved for law-enforcement tracking. Under 47 CFR § 95.2167, the maximum effective radiated power (ERP) is 100 mW for an LPRS transmitter not used with an AMTS station, and 1 watt ERP for one used with an AMTS station. These are legal power limits, not estimates of range or coverage.

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  • Channels 19, 20, 50, and 151–160 are reserved exclusively for law-enforcement tracking.
  • AMTS network-control transmissions are limited to 216.750–217.000 MHz; other AMTS transmissions in the 216–217 MHz band are prohibited.
  • LPRS stations must protect the U.S. Air Force Space Surveillance system operating in 216.88–217.08 MHz from harmful interference.
  • They also must not cause harmful interference to reception within the service contour of a DTV or TV broadcast station operating on Channel 13.

These frequency, channel, and interference conditions are set out in 47 CFR § 95.2125 and the related Part 95 rules.

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What extra rules apply to AMTS use?

AMTS use involves requirements beyond the standard LPRS power and channel rules. AMTS network-control transmissions are limited to the 216.750–217.000 MHz range, and directional transmit antennas are required for LPRS stations used with AMTS. Before operating an LPRS transmitter with an AMTS, the AMTS licensee must notify in writing each television station that may be affected, subject to the rule’s application-notice provision.

For a non-integral antenna located outside an enclosed structure, its tip generally may not be more than 30.5 meters (100 feet) above ground level. Consult the current Part 95 rules for the applicable conditions and exceptions before operating.

Does an assistive listening product automatically qualify as LPRS?

No. The rule names assistive listening devices as an example of auditory assistance, but that does not establish that every assistive listening system transmits on LPRS channels or complies with FCC equipment-authorization requirements. Check the specific device’s operating frequencies and authorization rather than relying on its product category or intended use.

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Which rule should you check before operating?

Use the current FCC regulations, not just a device description or an older summary. Start with the current text of 47 CFR Part 95, Subpart G, including the purpose and operating provisions in §§ 95.2103 and 95.2133, and the channel, power, and interference rules. The FCC’s LPRS overview provides historical context; it says the Commission adopted the service’s rules on July 25, 1996. Regulatory details can change, so verify the current rule for the intended use.

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