Citizens-band radio

Abstract

In recent years the requirement for the introduction of a two-way speech facility for the public at large has gradually increased. This facility has become well known as citizens-band radio (CB), and is used extensively in the USA and most Western European countries. Equipments operate using frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, single sideband and generally utilise the frequency band 26.960 MHz to 27.4 MHz. Until now it has been the policy of the UK Home Office Radio Regulatory Department to assign frequencies essentially for business or commercial use. However, the provision of a CB service has been reviewed by the Home Office, taking into account the political, economic, social and technical factors, and on balance it was considered that the introduction of a CB service would be of some benefit to the public as a whole. The Radio Regulatory Department conducted detailed technical studies to identify frequency bands and other parameters which would minimise the interference experienced by existing radiocommunication services; and at the same time provide the user with an acceptable quality of service. After extensive public consultation and careful consideration the Home Office introduced a legal CB service, employing frequency modulation only, for operation in two different frequency bands at 27 and 900 MHz, respectively.