Media Contact: 
Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC MODERNIZES PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES RULES
  --
WASHINGTON, May 18, 2017 – Today, the FCC took steps to update the Personal Radio 
Services rules, also known as Part 95 of the Commission’s rules, in order to modernize them, 
remove outdated requirements, and reorganize them to make it easier to find information.  
Significantly, as part of this effort, the FCC addressed more than two dozen proposals submitted 
by interested parties.  Today’s action will result in a more consistent, clear, and concise set of 
rules that will better serve the needs of the public.
The FCC Personal Radio Services rules cover a wide variety of wireless devices that are used by 
the general public.  These devices generally use low power levels, communicate over shared radio 
frequencies, and usually do not require an individual FCC license for each user.  Some common 
examples of Personal Radio Services devices are walkie-talkies; radio control toy cars, boats, and 
planes; hearing assistance devices; CB radios; medical implant devices; and Personal Locator 
Beacons.
The revisions adopted today reflect a comprehensive reform that will simplify, streamline, and 
update these rules.  These changes will ensure that these rules reflect technological advances, 
recognize the 21st century uses of the Personal Radio Services, and are easy for the public to use 
and understand.
Specific reforms adopted in today’s Report and Order include:
? GMRS/FRS Reform: The Commission will increase the number of communications 
channels for both General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service 
(FRS), expand digital capabilities to GMRS, and increase the power/range for certain 
FRS channels to meet consumer demands for longer range communications.
? CB Reform: The Commission will update the Citizens Band (CB) rules, which are 
decades old and contain outdated requirements that are no longer needed, including 
labeling requirements and a limit on use of channels when conditions allow long range 
communications.  The Commission will also clarify that hands-free devices can be used 
with CB radios.
? Overall rule reform: The Commission will remove outdated and unnecessary rules, 
change other rules to increase clarity and reduce potential confusion, and reorganize and 
streamline all Part 95 rules to make them easier to understand.  The Commission will also 
convert rules to plain language format to make them more user-friendly.
Action by the Commission May 18, 2017 by Report and Order (FCC 17-57).  Chairman Pai, and 
Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate statements.
WT Docket No. 10-119; RM No. 10762; RM No. 10844
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).