Back in the day we used CB radios along the jersey shore to communicate, no cell phones, during the winter - off season - there were only about 50 families that lived on the beach island all year long - that's spread out over appx 10 miles. Most of us had CB's in our homes and vehicles.
many years later in the pocono mountains of Pennsylvania there were many areas of no service, so a lot of us in a ski community started using bubble pack FRS/GMRS radios. From there we became licensed and used a "base station" - perhaps not 100% legally, but almost as a one way radio station, because we knew a lot of the bubble pack radios could not transmit back to us, but we could transmit or "announce" that dinner was ready, time to come in etc and the radios would receive the message even though they could not answer.
The use expanded to our Jeeps, while everyone had a CB in their Jeep at rally's etc, we all also had a GMRS, quieter, advantage of the short antenna on the hand held units, just overall easier and more convenient to use.
Two way radio has it's place, even with all of today's cell phones, tablets etc. It allows group conversations, don't have to dial several numbers. We are in florida farm country now. Besides being able to ask a question once, everyone hears it an can respond as necessary, like who has the L4600 (tractor) and where is it?
While different farms -families - properties try and use different frequencies or different PL codes, everyone kinda monitors whats known as GMRS #16 so if one neighbor needs something they can just ask, anyone around that can help me do "whatever" people who are around, in the area etc that can help will answer up. Again saves making a bunch of phone calls looking for help. Another, everyday use is most of us use our ATV's as regular transportation, and most of the neighborhood kids ride them around also. Everyone generally has a radio, if someone needs something they can just ask. Parents know it just an added tool if their kids need help out in a trail
So the GMRS was our choice, no test, no problem securing a license, good effective equipment is available at reasonable rates. We are so happy we are in the process of securing a business license, and will eventually put up a tower and repeater.
I fully understand all the encouragement to become a HAM, but 2 way radio is a very effective tool to accomplish our goals and needs. No different than buying a farm tractor, meet my needs but not going to become a tractor mechanic.
