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Ok let's start again, Please ignore any speak about the FCC, MURS, and GMRS/FRS.
MURS does not exist in CANADA,
GMRS/FRS, in CANADA are limited to 2w, no repeaters and fixed antennas. GMRS/FRS is almost Totally useless on Canadian roads unless you are convoying in the same direction.
Based on your OP, the radio shop you went to is suggesting you look at getting a VHF radio for the LAD and Alberta Open channels.
In Western CANADA there is 10 'common' VHF frequencies that are, in western CANADA, known as the 'Basic Ten'. Anyone can apply to Industry Canada for a license for these ten frequencies. These frequencies are widely used in the trucking/oil industry as both common chat channels and resource road channels(I know this because I use these channels on a regular basis along with others that are oilpatch specific). Almost all of these 10 channels have different area restrictions, but these restrictions are rarely observed, and the LAD and AB-OPEN channels have basically become a freeforall. These VHF channels are, in CANADA, limited to 30w.
While CB may still widely used in the US, VHF is king of the road in BC, AB, SASK, NWT, and Yukon, to the point that I would not waste my time installing a CB while traveling in western Canada.
While the Motorola radio you mentioned is decent, there are lots of other options out there for a lot less money. I have bought 2 used Kenwood mobiles for less than half the dealer quoted cost of CA$300+. As other posters have stated the TM-281 is legal only on the ham band, and although modified it can operate across the whole VHF band, you risk fines and having the radio seized by IC if they catch you using it outside of the ham band. And yes they do set up check stops with RCMP looking for modified ham gear.
If you want more info please PM me and I will help you out.
Well, you are trying to compare apples and oranges. CB and VHF radios are not the same. In most cases the VHF will require an FCC license and a frequency(s) assigned by the FCC. Who is it that you want (or need) to talk to? That should help you decide which FCC radio service is best for your needs.
The price for both the Motorola and Kenwood radio are about right for the models indicated. But then those radios aren't exactly comparable either.
BB
Please read the OP again. He is in Canada. The FCC has zero jurisdiction north of The Canada/US border. He needs to deal with Industry Canada.
Sounds like you need to stop going to that radio shop, they sound like idiots. So far, they've told you that CB is dead, which is possible in your area but highly unlikely. And it sounds like they are trying to sell you a radio that you don't need and you'll need a license for.
If you and your friends mainly want the radio for hunting, as someone else mentioned, FRS radios are your best bet. Second best would be a CB.
Good luck!
As I stated, as one that also lives in ALBERTA, the shop he went to did give him good advise. In western Canada, you are more likely to get help on one of the LAD or AB-Open channels before you get help on a CB. Remember what is going on on CB in Alabama does not reflect on what is happening in Alberta which is a couple of thousand miles north and in a completely different country.
To go along with what WA0CBW said, you've got 3 different radios here.
A CB is, well, a CB. You talk to truckers, locals, no license required.
The Motorola is usually used for commercial/business radio. License required and you'll only talk to other users that would be on your same assigned frequency, usually from the same business.
The Kenwood TM 281 is for Amateur Radio use. Amateur Radio requires a license to use.
As WA0CBW mentioned, what is your intended use for the radio? That will help decide what type of radio and what radio service you need installed.
Good luck!
Again, you are more likely to see VHF in trucks in western Canada, than CB. Or you will see both, but the CB is usually shut off, with the VHF on.