In this day and age when we have communication tools at our fingertips, many people favour using their smartphones, tablets or computers over old-fashioned radios. However, there is still a time and place for CB radios, particularly because they let people communicate without being restricted about what they say.
This is according to Ellie McFarland who wrote an article for 71 Republic about the benefits of CB radios, and why these should still be popular devices.
She told the readers about her father who used to visit West Virginia when he was in college during the 1980s. He would use a ham radio (amateur radio) when he was climbing in the trees to talk with other students across the campus, as this was the only form of remote communication available in those days.
While he was tempted to use the ham radio to order a pizza from the local pizzeria, he was prevented from doing so because the signal was only for non-commercial purposes.
However, the great thing about CB radios is there are no such restrictions or regulations. Across 40 channels, people can talk about anything they want, whether they wish to discuss plans to overthrow the government; talk in a vulgar manner; or broadcast copyrighted songs.
These days, the internet is more regulated than CB radio, as the FCC does not see the small number of people who regularly utilise the radio network as a threat.
“Although CB radio is public, its simplicity and antiquity is the advantage. They’re nearly undetectable and unrestricted – legally or illegally,” wrote Ms McFarland.
She went on to say: “It’s important to employ these alternative communication methods when we can. Non-violently evading government reach where you can is one of the most effective ways to fight against it.”
CB radios, although first invented in 1945 by Al Gross, became popular during the 1970s when they were used by drivers, as well as businesses. The oil crisis of 1973 meant truckers needed a way to communicate which gas stations had enough fuel for them, eventually leading to additional channels being added to the network.
