CB Radio UK

CB Radio was first introduced into the United Kingdom in around 1978 (although these dates are hard to confirm accurately). People were using American Citizens' Band Radios and were illegal to own and use. The modes of transmission used were AM (Amplitude Modulation) and SSB (Single sideband modulation). The usage of illegal CB radio peaked in 1980 and the UK Government was forced to legalise CB Radio.

CB was approved in the United Kingdom in 1981, hence the logo stamped on all type approved radios of this era CB27/81.

A licence is required to operate a CB Radio. This is available from most major Post Offices within the United Kingdom for a small fee. No special test is required.

The channels legalised on 2nd November 1981 were on two blocks of frequencies. 40 channels on the 27MHz band and 20 channels on the 934MHz band both using FM (frequency modulation). The 27MHz band frequency allocation is shown here: 27MHz CB27/81 Bandplan

The 934MHz band was soon discontinued by the government due to lack of interest of the general public. The reason for the public refusing to accept the 934MHz band was for a number of reasons:

• Safety (since this is a Microwave band)
• Cost of equipment
• Signal degradation of long coaxial / feeder paths
• Unfamiliarity (many CB users had previously been using American (illegal) CB Equipment)
• Poor coverage (Microwave being primarily line of sight)

Later on in the early 1990s the government allocated an additional 40 channels in line with the American channel allocation method, although transmission was still only allowable using FM modulation.

The 27MHz band frequency allocation is shown here: 27MHz FCC Bandplan

There are three channels that have a specific use in the UK

• Channel 9 - The emergency calling channel
• Channel 14 - Calling channel
• Channel 19 - Truckers Channel and calling channel

CB users may use the Phonetic alphabet and Ten-codes.