What is Amateur (HAM) Radio?
Amateur radio — commonly called HAM radio — is a licensed radio service for technical experimentation, emergency communication, and talking with other operators across town or around the world. It offers far more frequencies, power, and modes than GMRS.
Amateur radio spans frequencies from 1.8 MHz up through the microwave bands — far more spectrum than GMRS.
Technician, General, and Extra — each exam you pass unlocks more frequency privileges and modes.
General and Extra class operators can run up to 1,500 watts, enabling reliable long-distance contacts.
HF bands can propagate around the globe — talk to other operators on the other side of the planet.
A real, individual license with your own unique callsign issued by the FCC.
Morse code testing was dropped in 2007 — today it’s a written, multiple-choice exam only.