Great news: There is a NO CODE Technician license that only requires passing a simple 2-part FCC exam. The other news is that we have been using a Volunteer examiner system for years now, so you dont even test at an FCC office anymore. There are great study materials available at most Radio Shack stores. I personally recommend the Gordon West (author) books, as most of the folks who come to my exam sessions pass easily the first time.

There is a proposal to revamp the amateur radio service once again, and there apparently will be a reduction in the code speeds for the higher grade licenses at some point.

The only cost of a ham license now is about 6.50 for the test fee currently in effect, which covers the test materials costs and processing by the volunteer examiner coordinator that supervises the
particular test team.

The no-code license give all amateur privileges above 50 Mhz. The most popular VHF/UHF bands are the 2 meter (144mhz) and 70cm (440 mhz) bands. These are the Ham radio version of CB, with much better quality being FM, and MUCH higher power radios, like 35-50 watts for the average mobile. Additionally there are many small portables that have 5 watt power or somewhat less, all of which can easily out range a CB anything.

You also have access to hundreds of repeater systems that give a huge range boost. For example, in the southwest, there is a really fine system known as the ZIA Connection which consists of linked repeaters all the way from west Texas over into the California coast, and up into Colorado and Nevada. You can easily be talking to someone several states away on a hand held one-half watt radio. Try that with a CB set! Never happens there at all.

If you need any contacts up in your area for testing or information,  let me know and I would be happy to hook you up with someone.

Now... for the slight uncomfort of learning morse code, you also have access to voice SSB HF radios that are capable of worldwide communications from a mobile installation, anytime, legally. You may run up to 1500 watts on the amateur service, but most mobiles are 100 watts, which works fine.

Ham radio blows away CB any time, PERIOD!

Doug