About UK CB
UK CB was legalised in 1981 on a unique set of 40 FM channels (27.60125–27.99125 MHz) known as the 27/81 band. Later the CEPT/EU 40-channel plan was also authorised. Since 2014 AM and SSB have been permitted on the CEPT channels within power limits. No individual licence is required for compliant equipment.
UK Channels27.60125 – 27.99125 MHz
CEPT Channels26.965 – 27.405 MHz
Power4 W FM / AM · 12 W SSB PEP
LicenceExempt (compliant gear)
ModesFM, AM, SSB
RegulatorOfcom
History
Illegal imported American CB sets flooded Britain in the late 1970s. Ofcom’s predecessor legalised a UK-specific FM band in November 1981 to bring users onto approved equipment. The awkward UK frequencies were chosen partly so US sets could not simply be retuned. Over time CEPT channels were added and, in 2014, AM/SSB operation on CEPT frequencies was legalised.
Present-Day Uses
- Farming & rural — still popular on UK farms and in the countryside
- 4×4 & Land Rover clubs
- Mini-cab / private hire (historically significant)
- Hobby & local nets on both UK and CEPT channels
- Emergency preparedness independent of mobile networks
Key UK Channels
- Channel 9 — Emergency
- Channel 14 — Calling
- Channel 19 — Mobile / highway
Use the GO ONLINE button on the virtual radio, then share the same page and channel with friends. When both are Online on the same channel you can talk via the internet (WebRTC).