UK Two-Way Radio Specification Guide

A practical overview for businesses and organisations

Two-way radios used in the UK must comply with specific frequency, power, and licensing rules set by Ofcom. This guide outlines the key specifications, features, and standards your business should look for when choosing handheld radios for professional use.

 

UK Frequency Bands & Licensing Categories

PMR446 (Licence-Free Radios)

• Frequency Range: 446.0-446.2 MHz
• Channels: Up to 16 analogue + additional digital channels (depending on the model)
• Power Output: 0.5 watts ERP max.
• Best For: Retail, hospitality, light commercial, small sites, some outdoor pursuits
• Benefits: No licence required, simple to use, low cost
• Limitations: Limited range, shared public channels, not suitable for high-security environments

Licenced Business Radio

Licensing through Ofcom enables greater coverage, privacy, and control.

UHF Business Radio

• Typical Frequency Range: 400 - 470 MHz
• Power Output: Up to 5 watts (handheld)
• Best For: Indoor environments, warehouses, construction, dense areas
• Benefits: Better penetration through walls and buildings

VHF Business Radio

• Typical Frequency Range: 136-174 MHz
• Power Output: Up to 5 watts (handheld)
• Best For: Outdoors sites, open land, large campuses
• Benefits: Longer range in open terrain

*For info on other specialist licenses (Technically assigned, maritime, aviation etc.) please visit Ofcom for more information on what you need

 

 

Standard Technical Specifications (What to Look For)

Frequency Type

• UHF - generally better indoors
• VHF - generally better outdoors

*If you're unsure what is right for you head to our contact page and fill out our contact us form with a little information of your needs and a specialist will be in touch ASAP

 

Power Output

• 0.5W (PMR446) - short range, license-free
• 1W-5W (licensed radios) - extended range, professional use

 

Radio Type

• Analogue - simple, generally more affordable, functional
• Digital (DMR) - clearer audio, longer battery life (generally), more channels

 

Channel Capacity

• Typical Business radios: 16, 32, or128 channels
• Digital radios may include talkgroups and dual-mode analogue/digital features

 

Battery

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
• Typical capacity: 1500-3000 mAh
• Runtime: 8-16 hours, depending on duty cycle

 

Range

• PMR446: ~1-2 km in built up areas, up to ~5 km in open areas
• Licenced radios: 2-10 km typical: the range can be extended and be much greater when radios are used alongside repeaters

 

Durability & Environmental Ratings

• IP54: dust protected and splash resistant. Suitable for indoor work, light outdoor use, hospitality, retail.
• IP55: dust protected, resistant to low-pressure jets of water. Suitable for event staff, warehouse use, and occasional rain.
• IP65: fully dustproof, resistant to low-pressure jets of water. Suitable for construction, manufacturing, some outdoor operations (case may be required).
• IP67: fully dustproof, submersible up to 1m. Suitable for heavy industry use, security, some marine industries, waste management.
• IP68: fully dustproof, waterproof beyond 1m (manufacturer defines depth/time). Premium rugged radios suited for extreme wet environments.
• MIL-STD-810: vibration, shock, and drop protection

 

Audio Output

• Measured in mW or W
• Business radios typically 500mW - 1W for loud, clear audio in noisy areas

 

Antenna

• Fixed (PMR446) or removable (licensed radios)
• Optimised for UHF/VHF depending on model

 

Size & Weight

• Compact models: 100-150g
• Rugged models: 200-300g

 

 

Security & Privacy Features

Digital Encryption

• Basic or enhanced encryption (varies by brand/model)
• Recommended for security, healthcare, and sensitive operations

 

Privacy Codes

• CTCSS/DCS
• Helps to minimise interference (but is not true encryption)

Call Types

• Private call: One-to-one communication between two radios on the same system
• Group call: Sends a message to everyone on the same team or talkgroup
• All-call: A broadcast to all radios, regardless of group, usually for urgent or critical announcements
• Emergency call: Normally triggered by the emergency button to alert supervisors with priority.

 

 

Optional Professional Features

Depending on your operational needs: 

• Man Down: Automatically sends an alert if the radio detects a fall or no movement.
• Lone Worker: Prompts the user to confirm they're safe; sends an alarm if they don't respond.
• GPS Tracking: Shows the real-time location of radios for safety and coordination.
• Bluetooth: Allows wireless headsets or accessories for hands-free use
• Noise-Cancelling Mic: Filters out background noise for clearer communication
• Text messaging: Sends short written messages when voice isn't suitable.