On the 12th of July, 2000 the FCC created the Multiple Use Radio Service (MURS). MURS is a license-free service of 5 channels.
Though limited to only 2 watts (ERP), there are no restrictions on the type of data transmission allowed. These is a restriction on maximum bandwidth (naturally). While the gain of antennas is limited, there is no limit to the height at which these antennas may be placed (other than rules which limit, for aviation safety reason, towers to 200 feet).
What makes this interesting is the possibility of using soundmodem based utilities originally developed for ham radio use on the MURS frequencies, for inexpensive data links over distances far in excess of 802.11's capabilities. Unlike the ham bands, there will be no restrictions on cryptography or transmission of commercial content. While speeds are slow (9600 bps with soundcard based utilities, higher speeds available with hardware solutions), we feel that this is sufficient for many uses.
Some dark clouds are on the horizon, though. Motorola (bastards that they are) and Radio Shack (more bastards) have petitioned the FCC to Reverse their decision, and require a license for operation on these bands. It is not sure what will happen. See the PRSG site for updates.
There is also an alternative OPEN-MURS group that promotes the usage of digital modes and the use of external antennas to push the 'link' to the limit. To participate or lurk, go here.
While Radio Shack is saying one thing, they are doing another. They sell a MURS radio, called the BTX-127 (catalog number 19-1206) for $99.95 (perpetually on sale, it seems). They don't call it a MURS radio though. The box says that it requires a license to use (it doesn't). What irks me about it is that they have expurgated the instructions on changing the frequency. Luckily, this information has been tracked down and is presented here. Another thing that bothers me is they claim it is "rugged" when it feels like a cheap toy. This is NOT the quality of construction that I am used to seeing. However, it may be adequate for many people. Also, since I don't know of any other radio that is MURS legal (you can't make your own, or have a radio capable of transmitting more than 2 watts), I guess I am stuck with it.
Radio Shack BTX-124 operates on green or blue, power unknown.
TEKK also makes a MURS radio, for blue dot and green dot frequencies.
The Regency Util-Com UC-102 operates with 1 Watt on blue.
Motorola AV-10 puts out 1 Watt on GREEN.
Motorola's SP10 is very similar to the BTX-124, but the frequencies don't quite match up to the MURS, but it is likely it could be pursuaded to. ;^) Tom Icom shares some programming information for the SP10. MURS frequencies are (in Mhz): 151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570, 154.600. Bandwidth on the 151 MHz channels is 11.25 khz, on the 154 Mhz channels it is 12.5 kHz. Links: