So in short, if one wanted privacy using 2 way radios, then they would have to get a license from the FCC for their own frequency as there is nothing else. Correct?
If one want's privacy, one uses a cellphone.
If one wants privacy on a radio, one uses encryption. Expensive, and probably no way to make legal for the average man on the street.
If one wants to just chit chat with friends, one gets a ham license.
If you don't have the wherewithal to get a ham license, then use one of the personal communications services like GMRS (easy to get license required), CB, FRS, or MURS. All use frequencies that are shared with no expectation of privacy.
If you have a legitimate business need, get a business license from the FCC on a frequency that is shared. There is no expectation of privacy. Encryption is not allowed.
If one want's their own frequency that no one else has, dream on - it ain't gonna happen. Period - end of discussion. The closest you'll come is a talk group on a trunked system, or Nextel. Just pay monthly bill.
There are 900 MHz radios that are operated under part 15 (no license required) that are spread spectrum with hundreds of combinations. Minimal expectation of privacy, but highly unlikely anyone would actually be listening in with the identical spreading code. Cheap, no license required, and minimal range - like a few miles at best.
PL and DPL is simply a form of squelch designed to minimize nuisance noise comeing from a receiver. It provides NO privacy, and merely serves to cause receivers to stay quiet unless the matching tone or DPL code is sent from the other radio. As has been mentioned, ANYBODY ELSE on the channel with a NON-PL'd receiver will hear everything everyone says, whether or not they're using PL.
