What is Citizens band radio?
Q: What is Citizens band radio?
A: Citizens band radio is a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals on 40 channels within the 27 MHz (11 m) band in many countries.
Q: How does Citizens band radio differ from Amateur Radio Service ("ham" radio)?
A: Citizens band radio is not the same as the Amateur Radio Service ("ham" radio) as it has a much shorter range.
Q: Is a license required to operate a citizens band radio in many countries?
A: In many countries, CB operation does not require a license to operate.
Q: What can citizens band radio be used for?
A: Citizens band radio may be used for business or personal communications.
Q: How are citizens band channels shared by users?
A: Like many other two-way radio services, citizens band channels are shared by many users. Only one station may transmit at a time. All other stations must listen and wait for the shared channel to be available.
Q: What is the customary way for stations waiting to use a shared channel to communicate?
A: It is customary for stations waiting to use a shared channel to broadcast the single word "break" (or "breaker") during a lull in the conversation. This lets other people using the channel know that others are waiting.
Q: What are the reserved channels for emergencies and which channel is most often used by truckers in the US?
A: In the US, channel 19 is most often used by truckers. Channel 9 is reserved for emergencies.
