{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120503\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024, replacing January 2023)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPrivate Mobile Radios (PMR) are a useful event and activity communication tool in Scouting.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022 align=\u0022left\u0022\u003EHow can we get communications facilities?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThere are several ways to ensure good communications at Scout events.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EScout Communications Teams \u2013 Programme Teams specialising in communications can exist to provide support with the communications at events. Talk to your Support Team Leader to see if your County or a District or Group within your County provides this service.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-leveltext=\u0022%2)\u0022 data-font=\u0022Arial,Times New Roman\u0022 data-listid=\u00222\u0022 data-list-defn-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335552541\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559684\u0026quot;:-1,\u0026quot;335559685\u0026quot;:1440,\u0026quot;335559991\u0026quot;:360,\u0026quot;469769242\u0026quot;:[65533,0],\u0026quot;469777803\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;left\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;469777804\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;%2)\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;469777815\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;hybridMultilevel\u0026quot;}\u0022 aria-setsize=\u0022-1\u0022 data-aria-posinset=\u00222\u0022 data-aria-level=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EBuy your own set of radios. There are further details about this, including how to get a licence to use these radios, later on this page.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-leveltext=\u0022%2)\u0022 data-font=\u0022Arial,Times New Roman\u0022 data-listid=\u00222\u0022 data-list-defn-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;335552541\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559684\u0026quot;:-1,\u0026quot;335559685\u0026quot;:1440,\u0026quot;335559991\u0026quot;:360,\u0026quot;469769242\u0026quot;:[65533,0],\u0026quot;469777803\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;left\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;469777804\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;%2)\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;469777815\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;hybridMultilevel\u0026quot;}\u0022 aria-setsize=\u0022-1\u0022 data-aria-posinset=\u00222\u0022 data-aria-level=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EHire your kit from communication specialists. You can find details via recommendation or searching online\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EHow much does it cost?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EA Communications Team (Regional, County or District) may have equipment valued at tens of thousands of pounds so that they are able to supply a wide range of facilities to the Scouts. These teams in general are self-financing and ask for a donation towards the cost of maintenance, renewal and insurance.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThe cost of purchasing radio equipment, which conforms to the correct standards may be within the budgets of most Counties or Districts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThe cost of a single hand portable or mobile radio set can be from about \u00A3150, but battery chargers, spare batteries and other accessories can add another 25% to this figure. In addition, there is an annual licence fee and a budget for maintenance should be provided to ensure that equipment does not fall into disrepair and become an expensive unused facility. In addition equipment requires appropriate insurance to be in place to cover these high value items should they be damaged or lost.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EWhen purchasing radios the purchaser needs to ensure that they are aware there is a notable market for cheap private mobile radios. These radios may not be the correct type or UK approved so we advise against purchasing non-classified radios.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EWhy radio use needs to be regulated?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003ERadio frequencies are in great demand, and uncoordinated use can cause interference to other users, both Scout and other organisations (we do not have exclusive use of the channels). Interference can have serious consequences for safety of life. Improper use may also interfere with the conduct of business or cause annoyance to the private individual.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EBecause of this, it is illegal to use radio transmitters in the UK except under licence issued by Ofcom. Unauthorised use of equipment which requires a licence is illegal and could mean immediate termination of use, a fine of thousands of pounds and, in severe cases, criminal prosecution.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003ELicensing\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EIf you get your own radios there are a number of licensing options depending on your requirements.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThe Scouts holds a Business Radio (Simple Site) Licence from Ofcom, and the simplest way for members to license their radios is to use this licence. Full details of the requirements for using this as a \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/oj2lried/tsa-pmr-licence-terms-and-conditions-2024.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022TSA PMR Licence Terms And Conditions 2024\u0022\u003Esub-licensee can be found in the Terms and Conditions\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EIf your proposed usage of your radios does not fit within these terms and conditions there are other licences that you can apply for that will be more applicable. Please note that these applications should be made to \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences\u0022\u003EOfcom\u003C/a\u003E directly, not The Scouts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233118\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335551550\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335551620\u0026quot;:6,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:160,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor using a mast, base station or repeater at a specific site (ie activity centre):\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003ETechnically Assigned Business Radio Licence\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor use on vessels at sea:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022\u003EShip Radio Licence or Ship Portable Radio Licence\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022ScoutBullet\u0022 align=\u0022left\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences\u0022\u003EOfcom\u003C/a\u003E provide full details of these licences.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Private Mobile Radios (PMR) are a useful event and activity communication tool in Scouting.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":"16/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":45706,"nodeName":"PMR (Private Mobile Radios)","title":"PMR (Private Mobile Radios)","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"PMR (Private Mobile Radios)","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Private Mobile Radios (PMR) are a useful event and activity communication tool in Scouting.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTcwNiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/pmr-private-mobile-radios/"}