Posted by Baofeng UK on 27th Sep 2025
What Radio Frequency Can Civilians Use in the UK? A Quick Guide
The Beginner's Guide to UK Radio Frequencies for Civilians
Ever been on a hiking trip, managed a local event, or just wanted a reliable way to stay in touch with your family at a festival and wondered, "Can I just use a walkie-talkie?" The answer is yes, but it’s crucial to know which frequencies you’re allowed to use.
In the UK, the radio spectrum is a finite resource managed by a government body called Ofcom. Transmitting on the wrong frequency can interfere with critical services (like emergency services or air traffic control) and land you in serious trouble.
But don't worry! It’s not as complicated as it sounds. For civilians, there are three main pathways for using two-way radios. Here at Baofeng Radio UK, we'll walk you through your options and show you exactly which radios fit your needs.
1. The "Pick Up and Go" Option: PMR446 (Licence-Free)
This is the simplest and most common option for casual and light business users.
- What is it? PMR446 stands for Personal Mobile Radio, 446 MHz. It’s a set of 16 specific, licence-free frequencies in the UHF band, set aside by Ofcom for anyone to use.
- Key Rules: To be legal, a PMR446 radio must have a maximum power output of 0.5 watts and a fixed, non-detachable antenna.
- Who is it for? It’s perfect for families, hikers, campers, small construction sites, and event stewards who need simple, short-range communication without any fuss.
Our PMR446 Recommendation:
The Baofeng BF-888S PMR446 is built specifically for this purpose. It’s a tough, simple, and reliable radio that is legal to use straight out of the box. It comes pre-programmed to the 16 licence-free channels, has a fixed antenna, and transmits at the legal 0.5W power. No programming, no exams, no fees.
Baofeng BF-888S PMR446 is engineered for straightforward, immediate use, operating on the UK's licence-free PMR446 frequencies straight out of the box. Its simple, screen-less design with a rotary channel selector means no complex programming is required. With its fixed antenna and legally compliant power output, it's the perfect choice for families, small events, or any user needing simple and reliable group communication without the need for a licence.
2. The Hobbyist's Choice: Amateur Radio (Ham Radio)
If you’re interested in technology, want to talk to people around the world, and enjoy experimenting, then Amateur Radio is the path for you.
- What is it? Ham radio is a hobby where licensed enthusiasts use a wide range of radio frequencies for non-commercial communication.
- Key Rules: You must pass an exam and obtain an Amateur Radio licence from Ofcom. This gives you a unique callsign and access to specific bands (like the popular 2-metre and 70-centimetre bands).
- Who is it for? Tech enthusiasts, experimenters, emergency communications volunteers, and anyone who loves the magic of radio.
The Baofeng Connection for Hams:
This is where our legendary programmable radios shine. Once you have your licence, you can legally program them for the amateur frequencies you're authorised to use.
- The Perfect Starter: The UV-5R Mini is a classic for a reason. It's affordable, versatile, and the perfect first radio for newly licensed amateurs exploring the 2m and 70cm bands.
- Advanced Features: For hams wanting more power and functionality, models like the Baofeng UV-5RH Pro GPS offer GPS capabilities, which are great for position reporting (APRS).
Baofeng UV-5R Mini is the legendary gateway to bluetooth programmable radio, packing incredible versatility into a compact and affordable design. It offers full dual-band (VHF/UHF) capability, a detachable antenna for performance upgrades, and extensive programming options. Its combination of size, features, and value makes it the undisputed choice for new amateur radio hobbyists and businesses seeking a cost-effective, customizable communication solution.
Building on the classic UV-5R platform, this Pro model is designed for users needing enhanced performance and situational awareness. It features higher power output for superior range and an integrated GPS receiver for location tracking and position reporting (APRS). This makes it a powerful tool for advanced hobbyists, outdoor enthusiasts, and professional teams who require both extended communication distance and location data.
3. The Professional Grade: Licensed Business Radio
For businesses and organisations that need reliable, private, and more powerful communications than PMR446 can offer.
- What is it? A licence from Ofcom (like the popular "Simple UK Light Licence") grants you access to less-congested business-only frequencies.
- Why get a licence? You get more power (typically 4-5 watts) for better range and building penetration, and less interference from casual users.
- Who is it for? Construction companies, security teams, large farms, factories, and professional event management.
Professional Radios for Your Business:
Our programmable radios offer a cost-effective and powerful solution for your professional needs. They can be programmed with your specific licensed frequencies.
Baofeng UV-32 GPS represents the pinnacle of functionality, blending high-power long-range performance with integrated GPS technology. It is built for the most demanding professional environments, allowing for clear communication over vast distances while simultaneously tracking team member locations. This makes it the ultimate communication tool for logistics, large-scale event management, and advanced outdoor expeditions where both coverage and location awareness are critical.
Baofeng UV-25 is designed for professional use where range and durability are paramount. It delivers high-power output for excellent signal penetration in challenging environments like construction sites, warehouses, or large rural properties. Its rugged construction, clear audio, and long-lasting battery make it the go-to choice for businesses, security teams, and agricultural operations needing reliable, day-in-day-out communication that can withstand demanding conditions.
Staying Legal: A Crucial Note on Programmable Radios (like Baofengs)
A common question we get is: "Are radios like the UV-5RH Pro legal in the UK?"
The radio itself is perfectly legal to own and sell. However, it is the act of transmitting that is regulated by law.
- ❌ DO NOT program a radio like the UV-5RH Pro or UV-25 to PMR446 frequencies and transmit. This is illegal because they are more powerful than 0.5W and have detachable antennas. For licence-free use, you must use a dedicated device like the BF-888S PMR446.
- ✅ DO use your programmable radio (UV-5RH, UV-32, etc.) to transmit on amateur bands IF you have a valid Amateur Radio licence.
- ✅ DO use your programmable radio to transmit on business frequencies IF you have a valid Ofcom Business Radio licence.
| Feature | PMR446 (Licence-Free) | Amateur Radio (Ham) | Business Radio (Licensed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence? | No | Yes, Foundation level minimum | Yes, e.g., Simple UK Light |
| Power | 0.5 Watts (Max) | 10W+ (depending on licence) | Typically 4-5 Watts |
| Best For | Casual use, families, hikers, small sites | Hobbyists, experimenters, tech enthusiasts | Businesses, security, farms, professional events |
| Recommended Model | Baofeng BF-888S PMR446 | UV-5R Mini UV-5RH Pro GPS | UV-25 UV-32 GPS |
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing the right radio comes down to what you want to do.
- For simple, legal, out-of-the-box communication, your best choice is the Baofeng BF-888S PMR446.
- If you're a licensed amateur or on your way to getting your licence, browse our Long Range Ham Radios.
- If your business needs a robust communication solution, our team can help you match our professional-grade radios to your Ofcom licence.
Stay safe, stay legal, and happy transmitting
