Mike,
I have to agree.
Far too often people post "facts" on these forums without making any effort to investigate their authenticity.
These are some pages at the Federal Communication Commission website:
Family Radio Srevice(FRS)
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/family/General Mobile Radio Service(GMRS)
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/licensing/filing.htmlMaritime Mobile Service (Marine VHF radio)
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.htmlFred,
I think you misunderstand.
Talking to friends and family, less than three miles away, is exactly what the Family Radio Service units are designed for.
When you say $100, are you referring to a single unit?
That is probably a full featured GMRS unit.
I have seen the FRS radios sold in pairs for as little as $30.
