private mobile radio, 446 (PMR 446)

The PMR 446 network is a private radio network in the frequency range ofVHF broadcasting. The 446 MHz frequency range was released for private mobile radio (PMR) throughout Europe at the beginning of 2000.

In this frequency range, it is possible to transmit and receive, for example walkie-talkie or other short-range radio techniques, without registration or charges. The range of the handheld radios is about three to four kilometers due to the output power being limited to 500 mW. The receive sensitivity is about 0.20 µV. The voice radio is transmitted in eight channels, which can be differentiated by 38 special pilot tone codings. The eight channels have a channel spacing of 12.5 kHz and range between 446.00625 MHz and 446.09375 MHz.

The handheld radios from the various suppliers feature some interesting functions, including search, dual-channel monitoring, squelch and voice control.