Free walkie-talkie frequencies in Europe

Jump to LPD 433 MHz 
Jump to PMR 446 MHz 

A walkie-talkie is a remarkable way to communicate through the globe. As we know, radio waves spread throughout the Earth and even in space if only don’t meet any obstacle. However, we should use them legally, and the laws in different countries are different too. A two-way radio is used by government and military forces, and you mustn’t interfere with their communication. Otherwise, you are gonna be fined. There are special legal bands on different frequencies that are allowed to free usage for citizens. Let’s see, what are free walkie-talkie frequencies in Europe?

Generally, the communication range indicated on the walkie-talkie can be easily reduced by half. This range is possible if there is clear visibility and if there are no obstructions. A practically measured communication range of any walkie-talkie in the range on the UHF band (400–470 MHz), at a power of 0.5–2W, will be as such:

• in a city 🏙️ – from 0.3 to 0.6 km (1.9–3.7 miles)
• in a forest 🌲 – from 0.4 to 1 km (0.4–0.6 miles)
• in a field 🌾 – 2 to 5 km (1.2–3.1 miles)
• in the mountains ⛰️ – 5-25 km ( visibility, or 3.1–15.5 miles).

LPD 433MHz in Europe

LPD channels work on frequencies 433.075 MHz to 434.775 MHz. This range is allowed for use almost anywhere in the world, but with transmitter power limitations and clearly defined frequency channels for receiving and transmitting. As a general rule, external antennas and amplified antennas are not permitted. On LPD frequencies, it is allowed to speak freely in Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, etc. In Italy, it is only permitted to use freely on the first 20 channels.

In addition to radio stations, other devices operate on the LPD band, for example:

• car alarm trinkets;
• remote control devices for gates and barriers;
• radio modems for smart home systems;
• data transmission systems from metering devices;
• remote control systems for toys.

Because of the overall range of possible interaction of these devices with your walkie-talkie. For example, from an LPD walkie-talkie you can tune in to a wave located near the baby monitor, and even send a message. If a very experienced radio amateur is near you, he can invade the air.

Admissibility of using the 433 MHz LPD band in European countries:

PMR 446 MHz in Europe

PMR is a range of 16 channnels between 446.00625–446.19375 MHz, with a pitch of 6.25 kHz, with an output power of up to 0.5 W. It is allowed to use radio stations with built-in antennas. Exceeding the set power limits puts the station from civilian to amateur, and if you do not have permission to use, you may be fined.

Should you choose a PMR walkie-talkie?

PMRs operate outside the amateur radio band, also PMR stations are more powerful, cheaper and allowed in more countries. For example, PMR stations of 500 mW will provide a longer range than LPD stations of 10 mW. Businesses often use this range. Only walkie-talkies with built-in antenna are allowed to operate on PMR frequency, but subtones can be used.