Radios, licences and what's the difference?

Radio Receivers and Scanners

Anyone can use a radio receiver or scanner radio if it only has the a receiver capability, no licence is required.

Models we have: https://techoman.co.nz/collections/scanners-and-receivers

Walkie Talkies and 2-Way Radios 

This is where the game changes and a licence may be required, as these devices not only receive but radiate (transmit) signals, and if setup or used incorrectly can cause interference to other radios users, including emergency services.

UHF PRS and CB Radios

These radios transmit and need to be approved for use in New Zealand . The good news,  anyone (private individuals, groups or businesses) can use them without requiring a licence or paying a licence fee.  They are effectively ready to use straight out of the box and are preloaded with the available channels and share channels with other users.  Power is limited to the output approved for the radio type.

Models we have:  https://techoman.co.nz/collections/uhf-prs-walkie-talkies  https://techoman.co.nz/collections/uhf-prs-mobile-radios

Amateur (HAM) Radio

To operate an Amateur Radio transmitter you need to learn the technical and the legal requirements of operating higher power transmitters for personal use.  Once you pass an exam and are allocated your personal callsign you can operate on allocated frequencies. Amateur Radio is considered to be a hobby for radio enthusiasts and not for business users.

Models we have: https://techoman.co.nz/collections/amateur-radio-transceivers

Business Use Radios (Land Mobile Radio)

For businesses, blocks of frequencies are allocated into channels and are specifically used for business and commercial use.  Businesses can apply for a channel and have one (or more) allocated for use.  There is a fee to allocate the channel (often referred to as crafting a licence) by a radio engineer who selects the best channel(s) available based on your radio capabilities and regional location. The most common licence type is radio-to-radio (called simplex), however communications providers rent repeater channels on buildings and hilltops that extend the range. Business radios tend to be more expensive then UHF PRS types and come with licence application fees and ongoing yearly licence fees.

Models we have: https://techoman.co.nz/search?q=tm905pro+5+watt

Marine Radios

A VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio is a specialized two-way radio transceiver used for communication at sea. It is considered a crucial safety device for boaters because it allows for real-time contact with other vessels, marinas, and coast guard services, especially when a cell phone signal is unreliable. These radios operate on dedicated maritime VHF channels, including emergency and weather channels, and can be used for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and emergency calls. 

Be Careful Before Purchasing a Radio From Overseas

Illegal radios are often cheap and typically sold by overseas retailers with a package of pre-programmed frequencies or fully programmable options. For example radio brand names such as Baofeng, Pofung and Wouxun are in most cases illegal to own or operate unless you have an Amateur Radio Licence.  These radios do not meet the required technical standards for general use by the public as they can be easily programmed to operate on channels which the public are not authorised to use. There have been examples of these radios being used on emergency services and public safety  communication channels which can have very serious consequences.