Home / GMRS radio guide

Grand Rapids Snow And Ice Removal Crews: Is a GMRS Radio Worth It?

By Grand Rapids Snow Pros · October 18, 2026

When the snow is falling, nobody wants to stop and dig out a phone with frozen fingers. A two-way radio in the truck fixes a lot of that. Here is what GMRS is, what the Midland MXT295 does, how far it really reaches, and the license rules.

What GMRS is

GMRS is the General Mobile Radio Service. The FCC licenses it for short-distance, two-way voice using handhelds, mobile radios in vehicles, and repeaters, on channels around 462 and 467 MHz.

There are 30 GMRS channels. 22 are shared with FRS, the license-free radios sold in blister packs, and 8 are repeater channels. Mobile and base radios can run up to 50 watts on the main channels. No one owns a channel. Listen before you key up.

Midland MXT295 at a glance

The MXT295 is a vehicle radio built for people who get out of the truck a lot. The mic is wireless, so a snow crew member can walk away from the cab and still talk.

• 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS privacy codes, 154 in all
• 15 watts on high and 5 watts on low
• Automatic noise canceling for engine and wind noise
• PA speaker jack, wired intercom jack and external speaker jack
• Compatible with FRS and GMRS radios
• A wireless Bluetooth mic with up to 100 feet of reach from the radio
• Rated IP67, so dust and water stay out

One install note: it uses an external antenna, and higher on the vehicle is better. And not every channel gets full power. FCC rules cap channels 1 to 7 at 5 watts and keep mobiles off 8 to 14, and the radio follows that.

How far it really reaches

The FCC puts typical GMRS range at one to twenty-five miles, depending on station class, terrain and repeater use. Direct, radio to radio, a few miles is a fair expectation. Terrain and buildings shrink it.

To go farther, use a repeater: a station up high that rebroadcasts your signal. The radio's 8 repeater channels handle that. One rule to know: the FCC prohibits linking repeaters through the internet.

Where it helps a snow crew

• Keep crews in touch when cell service is slow during a big storm in Grand Rapids.
• Hear NOAA weather alerts as the storm changes.
• Call the salt truck to a slick spot.
• Coordinate plow trucks across several lots.

For crews working outdoors around Grand Rapids, the weather alerts and the sealed build are a big part of the appeal.

Do you need a license? Yes.

You will not see a license mentioned on the Amazon page. It is still required. Midland's MXT295 manual says: The MXT295 operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies, which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. You must be licensed prior to operating your MXT295 radio. The FCC rule, 47 CFR 95.1705, says: A valid individual license is required to operate a GMRS station.

• Cost: $35 (see the FCC fee schedule).
• The term is 10 years, renewable.
• No exam is required.
• You must be 18 or older.
• Family members are covered. Per the rule, that means spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
• Employees outside the family need their own license. The FCC issues new GMRS licenses to individuals only, not to companies.
• You get a call sign from the FCC and use it to identify on the air.

For a snow crew, that last part matters. If the owner holds the license, the owner's family is covered, but hired help needs their own. At $35 for 10 years, it is not a big hurdle. Apply through the FCC; start at the FCC GMRS page.

One exception in the rule: a licensee may let anyone use the radio if it is needed to send an emergency message.

A few things to check first

• Agree on a channel and privacy code with your crew.
• Get your GMRS license first, or right away.
• Confirm that hired help has their own license.
• Pick an antenna spot high on the truck, away from fiberglass.
• It is designed for 12-volt negative-ground vehicles.

Midland MXT295 15W GMRS mobile radio with Bluetooth mic

See current price and details on Amazon. A GMRS license is required to transmit.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Sources: FCC GMRS page · 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart E · FCC fee guide · Midland MXT295 manual. Checked October 18, 2026.