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The Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is an FCC-regulated U.S. radio service for short-distance, two-way voice and data communication related to personal or business activities. It uses five shared VHF channels, and MURS transmitters may not exceed 2 watts of output power under normal operating conditions. That power limit does not guarantee a particular communication range.
What does MURS stand for?
MURS stands for Multi-Use Radio Service. The FCC defines it as “a two-way, short distance voice or data communication service for facilitating personal or business activities of the general public” in 47 CFR § 95.2703. MURS is a specific radio service with its own rules—not a generic label for every VHF handheld radio.
The FCC’s 2000 order described MURS as a private service for short-distance voice, data, or image communications. Current rules permit voice, data, and image signals, as well as telecommand and telemetry. The service is governed by Part 95, Subpart J of the FCC rules.
What frequencies does MURS use?
MURS radios share five VHF channels. The frequencies listed in the FCC’s 2024 edition of 47 CFR § 95.2763 are:
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- 151.820 MHz
- 151.880 MHz
- 151.940 MHz
- 154.570 MHz
- 154.600 MHz
Because these channels are shared, MURS is not a private or exclusive channel assignment. A radio must be configured for the MURS frequencies and comply with the service’s equipment rules.
What are the basic MURS operating rules?
Power and coverage
A MURS transmitter’s output power may not exceed 2 watts under normal operating conditions, under 47 CFR § 95.2767. This is a transmitter-power ceiling, not a promised distance. The FCC describes MURS as short-distance communication but does not set a guaranteed range in that definition; usable coverage depends on conditions that the power limit alone does not establish.
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- Low-traffic; MURS 5 channels; MURS channels are less crowded than other radios;you and your partner can have a better call experience
Equipment certification
MURS transmitter types must be FCC-certified for the service under Part 95, Subpart J and Part 2. A programmable VHF radio does not qualify merely because it can be tuned to one of the five MURS frequencies. Check that equipment is specifically certified for MURS before transmitting.
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Repeaters, boosters, and aircraft
- Repeaters and signal boosters are prohibited for MURS operation, including store-and-forward packet operation.
- MURS operation is not authorized aboard aircraft in flight.
These restrictions are set out in the FCC’s Part 95 rule amendments.
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Antenna height for fixed installations
For a fixed MURS installation, the highest point of the antenna may be no more than 18.3 m (60 ft) above ground, or 6.10 m (20 ft) above the highest point of the supporting structure, under 47 CFR § 95.2741. The FCC rule text also refers to separate aviation-safety requirements for antenna siting.
What kind of communication does MURS allow?
MURS is not voice-only: FCC rules permit voice, data, and image signaling, along with telecommand and telemetry. It is intended to facilitate personal or business activities of the general public. The rules define the service and its technical limits, but do not promise a particular range or exclusive access to a channel.
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What radio can you use on MURS?
Use a transmitter that is FCC-certified for MURS. When checking a radio, verify its MURS certification and supported channels rather than relying only on a vendor’s range claim, advertised wattage, or the fact that the radio is described as VHF. The service’s 2-watt ceiling and five frequencies do not, by themselves, establish real-world coverage.
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