Guide to Business Band Frequencies: Color Dot, MURS, & More

Staying in touch via two-way radios isn’t just for hams and first responders. There’s a whole class of business band frequencies – from Color Dot channels to MURS and itinerant frequencies – that anyone (with the right gear and licenses) can use for local communication. Below you’ll find a comprehensive frequency chart and practical advice on using these channels legally and effectively. Whether you’re coordinating an event, tinkering with a new handheld in a Walmart parking lot, or just geeking out over radio trivia, this guide has you covered. (And yes, we’ve thrown in a bit of wit for the radio enthusiasts among us.)

Business Band Frequency Chart (Color Dot, Letter Dot, Star, MURS & Itinerant)

Below is a chart of common business band frequencies often known by their colorful nicknames (Color Dot channels), letter codes, or “Star” channel names. We’ve included the frequency, band (VHF/UHF), and whether an FCC license is required. Note: All these channels require an FCC license for use except the ones that fall under license-free services like MURS or FRS/GMRS when used with the proper equipment​

Color Dot & Star Frequencies (and MURS channels):

• Red Dot – 151.625 MHz (VHF business itinerant) – License required (Part 90 business license)​
• Purple Dot – 151.955 MHz (VHF business itinerant) – License required​
• Blue Dot – 154.570 MHz (VHF MURS 4) – License not required (MURS, up to 2 W)​
• Green Dot – 154.600 MHz (VHF MURS 5) – License not required (MURS, up to 2 W)​
• White Dot – 462.575 MHz (UHF GMRS/FRS) – License required for GMRS use (GMRS channel; an individual GMRS license is needed for high power). No license needed if used as FRS (low power ≤2 W on an FRS-certified radio)
• Black Dot – 462.625 MHz (UHF GMRS/FRS) – License required for GMRS (or license-free as FRS with limitations)​
• Orange Dot – 462.675 MHz (UHF GMRS/FRS) – License required for GMRS (or license-free FRS with low power)​
• Brown Dot – 464.500 MHz (UHF business itinerant) – License required (Part 90 business; up to 35 W allowed)
• Yellow Dot – 464.550 MHz (UHF business itinerant) – License required (Part 90 business; up to 35 W allowed)
• “J” Dot – 467.7625 MHz (UHF business itinerant) – License required (Part 90; low-power 2 W limit)​
• “K” Dot – 467.8125 MHz (UHF business itinerant) – License required (Part 90; low-power 2 W limit)​
• Silver Star – 467.850 MHz (UHF business “Star” channel) – License required (Part 90; 2 W handheld use)​
• Gold Star – 467.875 MHz (UHF business “Star” channel) – License required (Part 90; 2 W)​
• Red Star – 467.900 MHz (UHF business “Star” channel) – License required (Part 90; 2 W)​
• Blue Star – 467.925 MHz (UHF business “Star” channel) – License required (Part 90; 2 W)​

Additional MURS Channels (VHF, license-free):

• MURS Channel 1 – 151.820 MHz (VHF MURS) – No license required (MURS, 2 W limit)​
• MURS Channel 2 – 151.880 MHz (VHF MURS) – No license required (MURS, 2 W limit)​
• MURS Channel 3 – 151.940 MHz (VHF MURS) – No license required (MURS, 2 W limit)​
  (Channels 4 and 5 are Blue Dot and Green Dot listed above.)

Other Common Itinerant Frequencies (License required): Aside from the “dot” channels, the FCC designates other itinerant frequencies for businesses on-the-go. Examples include 151.505 MHz, 151.5125 MHz (VHF, narrowband), 151.700 MHz, 151.760 MHz (VHF), and 158.400/158.4075 MHz (VHF) – all requiring a Part 90 license​. On UHF, 451/456.800 MHz and 451/456.8125 MHz are itinerant pairs, and 469.500/464.500 MHz (“Brown duplex”) as well as 469.550/464.550 MHz (“Yellow duplex”) are used for itinerant repeaters or split operations​. These don’t have cute color names, but they follow the same rules – you can license them for mobile use across wide areas.

(VHF = “Very High Frequency” band, generally 136–174 MHz; UHF = “Ultra High Frequency” band, 400–470 MHz in this context. MURS and FRS/GMRS are special cases explained below.)

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Now let’s break down what each of these categories actually means, and how to use them without ending up on the FCC’s naughty list (or in an awkward chat with a Walmart manager).

What Are “Color Dot” Frequencies?

Color Dot frequencies are a set of business radio channels identified by color-coded names (like Red Dot, Blue Dot, etc.) instead of just numbers. Decades ago, radio manufacturers began labeling pre-programmed channels with colored stickers or “dots” so that non-technical users (think small shop owners, construction crews, school staff) could easily match their radios without knowing the actual frequency​. For example, if two radios both had a blue dot on them, you’d know they’re on 154.57 MHz and will talk to each other. This “color code” scheme made it simple to sell ready-to-use radios – no programming required, just match the dot colors and go​.

• Originally marketed as “bubble-pack business band” channels (since they were often sold in blister packs at retail stores​), these frequencies became popular for low-power handheld use: construction sites, event coordinators, schools, fast-food drive-thru intercoms – anywhere you needed quick comms on a budget​
• The Color Dot names cover a mix of VHF and UHF frequencies (as charted above). Some fell in what later became MURS (license-free), while others were in business bands requiring a license. A few even overlapped with GMRS.

In total, the most commonly referenced Color Dot channels are: Red, Purple, Blue, Green, White, Black, Orange, Brown, and Yellow Dot – each corresponding to a specific frequency​. The color labels are purely informal; the FCC doesn’t actually allocate “Blue Dot” by name – it’s just a handy nickname. Think of it as the radio equivalent of calling channel 154.57 MHz by a gamer tag.

Fun fact: The choice of colors isn’t particularly scientific – it was more about giving each channel a unique, easy-to-remember identity. Why “Purple” for 151.955 MHz? Who knows – perhaps the marketing team had a favorite crayon. Over time, these names stuck, and radio folks still use them for shorthand. (Telling your buddy “Go to Purple Dot” is way easier than rattling off “one-five-one-point-nine-five-five MHz”.)

What Are “Letter Dot” Frequencies (J Dot, K Dot)?

As if colors weren’t enough, a couple of channels are known by letter designations with “Dot”, notably J Dot (467.7625 MHz) and K Dot (467.8125 MHz). These came about when manufacturers added a few extra pre-programmed channels beyond the basic color list – presumably after exhausting the rainbow, they moved on to letters. J Dot and K Dot are simply two UHF business frequencies that got labeled with letters instead of colors​. There’s nothing magical about “J” or “K” – they could as well have been “Chartreuse Dot,” but letters were easier.

• J Dot (467.7625 MHz) and K Dot (467.8125 MHz) both fall in the UHF business band. They’re typically limited to low power (2 W) handheld use (per FCC rules) and are considered itinerant business channels (shared, not tied to a fixed location)​.
• These lettered channels are less famous than their colorful cousins, but you might encounter them in pre-programmed business radios (some manufacturers included J/K channels for extra capacity). If you see a radio channel list with a “J” or “K” sticker, now you know it’s not a secret James Bond frequency – just another itinerant channel with a funny name.

In practice, treat J/K Dots like any other business frequency: you’ll need a license to transmit on them (they are not license-free), and you’ll likely only ever use them on simplex (radio-to-radio) at close range due to the power limits.

What Are “Star” Channels?

The Star channels are yet another set of nicknamed business frequencies, identified by colors and a star – e.g. Silver Star, Gold Star, Red Star, Blue Star. These four frequencies (467.8500, 467.8750, 467.9000, 467.9250 MHz) sit in the UHF range and are heavily used for itinerant business communications​. Why “star”? Same reason as dots – it’s just a manufacturer’s branding. Radios that came programmed with these might have had little star symbols or the word “Star” on the channel knob.

• Silver Star (467.850 MHz), Gold Star (467.875 MHz), Red Star (467.900 MHz), and Blue Star (467.925 MHz) are all in the 467 MHz UHF band. They are voice channels for business use, typically at 2 W power, intended for nationwide itinerant use. Many large retail companies obtained FCC licenses to use these channels at all their locations across the country​. For example, big-box stores and warehouse clubs have historically equipped staff with 2-watt portables on Star frequencies so that every store is on the same channel plan​.
• Just like Color Dots, Star channels require a license (they’re Part 90 business frequencies). A company can license them as itinerant channels, allowing use at various sites. They are shared channels, though – your Star isn’t exclusively yours, so expect some interference if another user is nearby on the same channel.

These Star frequencies became popular because of that nationwide licensing convenience. If you’re a business with locations everywhere, you can get one itinerant license for, say, Blue Star, and any store or job site in the U.S. can use it (with the understanding that you might hear other co-channel users in range)​. Think of Star channels as the business equivalent of a nationwide chatroom – lots of users can drop in, but everyone tries to be polite and share.

A note of caution: Because Star channels are widely used, don’t be surprised if you key up on 467.925 (Blue Star) in a busy area and suddenly hear replies not meant for you. It could be the local home improvement store’s crew or another business nearby. Always listen first and make sure you’re not stepping on someone’s conversation – the FCC expects cooperation on shared channels.

What is MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)?

MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) is a set of five VHF frequencies (151.820, 151.880, 151.940, 154.570, 154.600 MHz) that are available for unlicensed two-way radio use in the US. MURS is like a cousin of FRS/GMRS but in VHF. It was created by the FCC in 2000 partly by taking some of the old business frequencies (including Blue Dot and Green Dot) and making them license-free for the public.

Key facts about MURS:

• No license required: Anyone in the US can use MURS channels without an individual FCC license, whether for personal or business purposes​. (It’s “licensed by rule,” meaning the FCC authorizes it for all as long as you follow the rules.)
• Power and equipment limits: MURS is limited to 2 watts transmitter power output, and you must use FCC-certified MURS radios (Part 95 certified). You can’t crank up a 50 W mobile on MURS or use a big gain base antenna to cover a county – the effective range is a few miles at most with handhelds. Antennas are not strictly fixed to the unit like FRS, but the power cap keeps range reasonable.
• No repeaters or phone patching: MURS is strictly for simplex (radio-to-radio) communication. You can’t legally use a repeater or connect it to the telephone network. (Also, no digital modes – MURS is narrowband FM analog only, with a small allowance for data like telemetry.)
• Channels & overlap with Dots: Of the 5 MURS channels, two are known by their old color names: Blue Dot (154.57) and Green Dot (154.60)​. The other three (151.820, .880, .940) didn’t have color names, but were popular business itinerant freqs. If you had an old radio on “Purple Dot” (151.955 MHz), note that 151.955 is not a MURS channel – close but no cigar. Purple Dot still needs a license, whereas the three MURS frequencies just below it are free to use.
• Usage: MURS is a great option for small businesses, families, or hobbyists who want better range than blister-pack FRS radios but without the licensing hassle. You’ll often find MURS used by retail stores (some big retailers actually switched to MURS for in-store comms to avoid maintaining licenses), by community event organizers, or by prepper and off-road enthusiasts who appreciate its VHF performance (which can work better in rural/outdoor scenarios).

One cool example: Walmart and Sam’s Club stores for a long time were famous for using Blue Dot/Green Dot (MURS 154.57/154.60) for store communications. In fact, Motorola even made a special MURS radio (the RDM2070d) just for Walmart with 7 channels (the 5 MURS frequencies plus a couple of extra channels for various departments)​. So when you’re chatting on MURS, you might catch some retail gossip if you’re near a store – or you might accidentally be on the same channel as the cart-pushers (so mind your language!).

What Does “Itinerant” Frequency Mean?

You’ve seen us mention itinerant frequencies a few times. Itinerant in FCC lingo refers to channels intended for temporary, roving use – literally, for users who “wander” from place to place (think traveling job crews, trade shows, event staff, or any operation that isn’t fixed in one location)​.

Here’s what’s special about itinerant channels:

• License covers wide area: When a business is granted a license for an itinerant channel, it’s often allowed to use it nationwide or statewide wherever they go, rather than being tied to a specific city or set of coordinates​. This is super handy if your team is moving between job sites – you don’t need a new license for each location.
• No frequency coordination needed: Normally, to get a business frequency, you have to go through a coordination process – an official coordinator makes sure your frequency won’t interfere with others in your area. Itinerant channels skip this step​. The FCC basically says “these freqs are shared by nature, so just license it and use it, no coordination approval necessary.” That makes licensing faster and easier. But…
• Shared with others: …the trade-off is you have no interference protection. It’s not “your” channel alone. Many unrelated users can be licensed on the same itinerant freq in the same region​. If you hear someone else on it, both of you just have to play nice (take turns or switch channels). It’s very much “use at your own risk” in terms of congestion.
• Typical itinerant channels: Many of the Color Dot and Star freqs are designated as itinerant by the FCC​. For example, Red Dot (151.625) is an itinerant channel​, as are Brown/Yellow Dot on UHF​, and all the Star channels​. There are other itinerants (we listed a few in the chart) like 151.505, 151.5125, etc. They usually have power limits – some VHF itinerants allow up to 5 W or more, others are capped at 2 W, and UHF ones might allow up to 35 W or even higher for certain bands. (For instance, Brown/Yellow Dot allow up to 35 W, whereas the Star freqs are limited to 2 W by rule​.)
• Who can get an itinerant license? Generally, any legitimate business or organization can apply. You do need to state a business/industrial purpose (so just “hobby chatting” isn’t an official eligibility, though a small family business or farm would qualify)​. The good news: even a small operation (like a mom-and-pop event crew) can usually get one, as long as you’re willing to pay the FCC licensing fee and follow the rules. It’s not terribly expensive, and a license is typically valid for 10 years.

In summary, itinerant = roam free, but share nicely. For practical use, if you have an itinerant channel radio, be prepared to change channel if someone else is using it nearby to avoid stepping on each other. And don’t assume the silence means it’s free — there could be users just out of your range or quiet at the moment.

(Wit bit: Having an itinerant channel is like having a “open seating” ticket at a crowded banquet – you can sit anywhere, but you’re not guaranteed a private table.)

FCC Licensing 101: Using These Channels Legally

Let’s talk about licenses and legalities. Radios are fun, FCC enforcement actions are not. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law (and the fine print):

• Business/Industrial Frequencies (Part 90) – This covers Color Dot, Letter Dot, Star, and other itinerant channels. To transmit on these, you (or your employer/organization) must have an FCC Part 90 license for the specific frequency. That involves applying through the FCC (and usually paying a fee). The license can cover a geographic area (itinerant or specific sites). Every frequency in the chart above that isn’t explicitly MURS or FRS/GMRS falls under this rule​. No license, no talking – legally, anyway.
  • Enforcement: In practice, the FCC doesn’t have a squad car on every corner, but operating unlicensed on Part 90 channels can lead to fines if you’re caught causing interference or if someone reports you. Best practice: Get the license or stick to license-free bands. Note that FCC Part 90 equipment certification is also required – meaning your radio should be approved for Part 90 use. (Many cheap import radios technically aren’t, which is another can of worms – more on gear later.)
  • If you’re just an individual hobbyist, you might think, “But I’m not a business, can I even get a Part 90 license?” Technically, the FCC expects a business or organizational purpose. Many radio enthusiasts who want to experiment either form a small business/club or just use MURS/FRS instead to avoid the issue. It’s also worth mentioning that amateur radio license (ham) does not cover these frequencies – being a ham gives you zero privileges on Part 90 business channels.
• MURS (Part 95 Subpart J) – No license needed, for anyone, business or personal. Just use a certified MURS radio and follow the rules (2 W limit, etc). You’re legally golden. (If you use a non-certified radio on MURS that doesn’t meet the specs – e.g. a wideband or high-power radio – then you’d technically be in violation even though MURS is “license-free.” So use legit gear.)
• FRS/GMRS (Part 95 Subpart B) – The Color Dot frequencies White, Black, Orange fall under FRS/GMRS rules. Here’s the deal:
  • FRS (Family Radio Service) is license-free for the general public, but radios are limited to low power (2 W max on channels 15-22) and must have non-removable antennas, etc. If you use a little walkie-talkie from Walmart, you can use White/Black/Orange Dot frequencies (which correspond to certain channel numbers) with no license​. Most current 22-channel walkie-talkies will have those frequencies as channels 15-17 or 17-19 (varies by model labeling).
  • GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) does require a license – but it’s a personal license (no test, just a fee) that covers you and your immediate family. Businesses are no longer allowed to obtain GMRS licenses for business use​. So technically, a company can’t just use GMRS channels for their operations anymore (that was allowed in the past, but rules changed). However, individuals can use GMRS.
  • The trick: since 2017, FRS and GMRS share channels. If you stay within FRS limits, you’re fine without a license on those dot channels​. If you want to use higher power or a mobile radio on them, then you’d be operating under GMRS rules, which means you personally need a GMRS license. (And if you’re doing it for a business activity, that’s technically not allowed under GMRS, which is intended for personal/family use.)
  • TL;DR: Using White/Black/Orange Dot with a bubble-pack walkie-talkie = OK license-free. Using them with a 5 W mobile or commercial radio = you need a licensed GMRS operator (personal, not business) or just don’t do it.
• Power and Range Considerations: Always abide by the power limits of each service. For example, don’t take a Color Dot frequency that’s meant for 2 W handhelds and try to run a 50 W mobile on it – that could violate the FCC’s rules (and definitely will annoy others on the channel). The FCC sets specific power caps on certain itinerant frequencies (some are 2 W, some 5 W, some 35 W)​. MURS is fixed at 2 W ERP. GMRS can go up to 50 W on some channels if you’re licensed. Know the rules for the channel you’re on.
• Call Signs and Identification: Unlike ham radio, most business or personal radio services (MURS/FRS/GMRS) don’t require you to announce a call sign on air routinely (GMRS licensees should ID every 15 minutes, though many don’t; MURS has no ID requirement). If you’re operating under a Part 90 business license, the licensee is supposed to ensure station identification (often done digitally or just not really enforced for itinerants). Just something to be aware of – you won’t hear folks saying “KB1234 listening” on Color Dot channels like hams do on repeaters.
• Interference and Etiquette: It is illegal to intentionally interfere with other users on any frequency. If you share a channel (like an itinerant one) and someone else is talking, you must yield or find another channel. Also, if you’re using a license-free channel like MURS or FRS in a busy area, be mindful – anyone can use it. Use CTCSS/DCS tones if you want to ignore other chatter (it only hides it from you; it doesn’t give you a private line). And if someone asks you to keep a channel clear due to important use (e.g. a store security or an event emergency), it’s wise (and courteous) to comply if possible.
• Business vs Personal Use: A weird quirk – as an individual, you technically shouldn’t use Part 90 business frequencies for purely personal hobby chatting unless you have a licensed entity. The FCC’s definition of permissible use in Part 90 is for business or organizational activities. They’re not going to bust you for testing a radio on Brown Dot by yourself in the backyard, but using it as your personal “go-to” chat channel with friends is bending the intent. If you’re a radio enthusiast wanting to chit-chat, consider using the amateur bands (with a ham license) or GMRS (with a GMRS license) instead, or MURS if you need license-free. Use the business channels for what they’re meant for – business-y things or field operations – and you’re in safer territory.

Best Practice Summary: Use MURS or FRS for license-free needs. If those don’t fit and you need the other channels, get legal: obtain a GMRS license for GMRS channels (if personal) or a Part 90 license for itinerant channels (if for a business or organized activity). It’s not terribly expensive and shows you’re a responsible operator. And always use proper radios that are approved for the service you’re operating in (e.g. Part 95 certified radio for MURS/FRS, Part 90 for business channels). Doing so not only keeps you legal but also usually means you’ll have less technical issues (spurious emissions, etc., which can cause – you guessed it – interference and FCC headaches).

Practical Tips for Using These Frequencies in the Wild

So you’ve got your radio and a list of channels – now what? Here are some practical tips for setting up and using these business band channels, especially when mobile or in public. (Yes, this includes the infamous “Walmart parking lot scenario” you hinted at.)

• Know Who Might Be Listening (or Using the Channel): Many of these frequencies are commonly used by local businesses. For instance, if you’re near a Walmart or large retail store, there’s a chance they’re using MURS Blue Dot/Green Dot or maybe a Star channel. If you decide to fire up your radio on Blue Dot while hanging out in the Walmart parking lot, don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear the store employees’ chatter – or if they hear you! wiki.radioreference.com. This can lead to awkward situations where an employee (or their security) comes out and asks why you’re on their channel. Tip: To avoid this, listen before transmitting. If the channel is active with other users, pick another channel to avoid interference and awkward confrontations.
• Be Ready to Explain Yourself: Let’s say you are approached in public – perhaps a concerned store manager or even a curious bystander sees you with a radio. Stay calm and friendly. You might explain, “I’m a radio hobbyist testing my equipment on a public frequency.” If you’re on a channel you’re licensed for, you can mention that (“I have an FCC license to use this frequency”). If it’s a license-free channel like MURS, you can politely note that it’s open for anyone. Most people, including some store employees, might not know what MURS is – you can succinctly say it’s like a CB or FRS, no license needed. The key is reassurance – you’re not there to spy on or disrupt their operations. In fact, you’ll happily switch channels if it bothers them.
• Mobile Setup Tips: Using these radios in a vehicle (a mobile setup) can extend your range but also draw attention. An external mag-mount antenna on your car roof can dramatically improve signal for VHF/UHF handhelds. If you’re going to operate from your car, it’s wise to keep a copy of your license (if applicable) in the glove box, and maybe a printout of the FCC rules for MURS/FRS if you plan to use those, just in case you need to educate someone. For example, if a police officer inquires why you’re transmitting, you can show you’re within the rules. Also, use a proper antenna tuned for the band – a VHF quarter-wave for MURS or a dual-band for UHF if needed. This ensures you’re not emitting a bunch of interference.
• Dealing with Curious Onlookers: A handheld radio with a long antenna might attract stares (“Is that a police radio?!”). Feel free to throw in some humor: “Nope, not the police – just talking to my buddies on the geek channel.” This can diffuse suspicion. If someone in a Walmart lot scenario mistakes you for an employee (it happens if you carry a radio similar to theirs), politely clarify. Don’t pretend to be store security or anything silly – that can land you in trouble fast.
• Avoiding Channel Conflict: If you must operate near a business using the same frequency (for instance, your event crew is on Green Dot and you happen to be next to a store also on Green Dot), try to coordinate. Perhaps talk to the store manager and let them know you’ll be using the channel briefly and will monitor to avoid disrupting them. Often, they’ll appreciate the heads-up. If they object, it might be wise to use a different channel if possible – even if you have equal right, it’s good neighbor behavior.
• Use CTCSS/DCS (Privacy Codes) Wisely: These tones do not give you a private channel, but they help your radios ignore others. If you’re picking up a lot of chatter that’s not your group, setting a tone can keep your radios quiet unless someone with the same tone transmits. Just remember, if you transmit with a tone, others without that tone set can still hear you. So don’t say anything on a shared channel you wouldn’t want overheard. (Saving the juicy gossip for a truly private phone call might be better!)
• Have a Channel Plan: If you’re out with friends or colleagues playing with these frequencies, plan a couple of backup channels. For example: “Primary on Blue Dot, if busy switch to Purple Dot,” etc. That way, if you suddenly encounter interference or a concerned party on one channel, you can quickly move to another and continue your activity without fuss.
• Mind Local Regulations/Practices: In some places (especially large cities), business frequencies can be crowded. If you’re in the middle of Manhattan, keying up on an itinerant channel might instantly hit several active users – not a great idea. In such areas, stick to truly quiet channels or license-free ones that are less used (MURS might actually be quieter than itinerants in a big city). Conversely, in rural areas, you might have free rein on many channels with nobody around – still, stay legal, but you’ll likely not bother anyone.
• When in Doubt, Don’t Transmit: This is the golden rule for any radio use. If you’re unsure about the legality or the activity on a channel, err on the side of caution. Listen longer, or consult resources (plenty of radio enthusiast forums can tell you who in your area commonly uses what channel). It’s better to be cautious than to inadvertently interrupt a business’s operations or get a visit from an FCC field agent (rare, but one should not test one’s luck!).

Beginner-Friendly Radios for These Frequencies

Ready to dive in and try these channels? You’ll need a suitable radio (or two). Here are some beginner-friendly radio options that cover these frequencies. We’ll break it down by license-free vs licensed gear:

• MURS Radios (License-Free, VHF) – If you want to use the MURS channels (including Blue Dot/Green Dot) right out of the box with no license, consider a dedicated MURS radio. For example, the Motorola RMM2050 is a popular 2-watt, 5-channel MURS handheld (actually used by businesses like Walmart) that’s FCC certified for MURS and requires no license to operate​ It’s built tough for business use, so it can handle daily abuse. Another option is the BTech MURS-V1 handheld – an affordable radio that comes pre-programmed with all 5 MURS channels (and only those, to keep it compliant). MURS radios will give you a few miles of range, good building penetration, and you won’t have to worry about legalities (just don’t modify them to transmit outside MURS!).
• FRS/GMRS Radios (UHF) – For the White/Black/Orange Dot frequencies, a simple FRS radio (the kind you find in a sporting goods aisle, e.g. Midland or Cobra brand walkie-talkies) will do the job. Modern FRS radios have 22 channels – channels 15-22 correspond to the old GMRS frequencies, which include 462.575/625/675 (White/Black/Orange)​. Using them as FRS (at 2 W or less, no detachable antenna) keeps it license-free. These radios are extremely easy to use and cheap (often $20-40 per pair). Just don’t expect huge range – a mile or two at best in open areas, less in buildings.
  • If you plan to get a GMRS license for more power or use mobile units, you could look at dual-service radios like the Midland GXT series or Motorola Talkabout T series, which can operate at higher power on those channels if you have a GMRS license. Or step up to a dedicated GMRS mobile/base radio (like Midland MXT series) for even better range – just remember GMRS is more for personal/family use (legally) and won’t cover the VHF dot frequencies.
• Part 90 Business Radios (VHF/UHF) – If you want a single radio that can do all the dot/star itinerant frequencies (with a proper license), you’ll need a programmable Part 90 radio. There are high-end options from Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, etc. (e.g. Motorola CP200d, Kenwood TK-3402 for UHF or TK-2402 for VHF). These are rock-solid but pricey, even used. They often come pre-set with some dot/star channels or can be programmed via software to any frequency your license covers. For beginners on a budget, a lot of folks turn to the infamous Baofeng UV-5R or similar inexpensive Chinese radios. Here’s the deal:
  • Baofengs and similar can technically tune to all these frequencies (they cover VHF 136-174 and UHF 400-520 MHz). However, they are not legal to transmit on Part 90 or Part 95 services unless certified for that service. Most Baofengs are only FCC-certified for amateur (Part 97) use, despite being able to transmit elsewhere. That said, many hobbyists do use them to monitor and even transmit on business or MURS channels (especially since some models can be opened up to comply with Part 90). If you go this route, understand it’s a bit of a grey area. At minimum, if you have a Part 90 license, get a programming cable and set the exact frequencies and proper narrowband channel settings – and stay within legal power limits for those channels.
  • A step up in legitimacy would be a radio like the Wouxun KG-805 series. Wouxun offers models pre-tuned for specific services (they have a MURS model, a GMRS model, etc.). They even have Part 90 certified models that can be programmed for business itinerant freqs but also lock down to keep you compliant. These cost more than a Baofeng (maybe $100 each) but are higher quality and legal for business use.
• Business “Bubble-Pack” Radios: Yes, the very radios that popularized the Dot codes are still around! Motorola’s CLS series (like the CLS1110, CLS1410) and VX/EVX or Kenwood ProTalk radios often come with preset channels including the dot frequencies. For instance, a Motorola CLS1410 might have channels labeled or easily set to Red Dot, Blue Dot, etc. These typically are 1-2 Watt radios, compact and easy to use. They do require the user to have the necessary license for those frequencies (except if you only use the MURS ones). Many small businesses buy them and – whoops – never get a license. If you’re a hobbyist, you can find used ones on eBay fairly cheap. They’re a convenient way to get on the air with dot channels because they’re plug-and-play – just turn the dial to the color you want. Just remember, if you’re not licensed for the frequency, you’re technically in the same boat as a Baofeng user – illegal. So use them legally or at least responsibly.
• Scanning and Listening: Even if you’re not transmitting, a radio that can scan these frequencies is a lot of fun. You can use a scanner or any wideband receiver to listen to local business chatter – kind of like eavesdropping on the world of maintenance crews and mall security. Many modern scanners (Uniden, Whistler, etc.) come pre-programmed with common business frequencies. If you hear interesting activity, you might decide to join in (with authorization), or just keep it as interesting background noise. It’s perfectly legal to listen (in the US) to non-encrypted business communications, but note that transmitting on them without permission/license is illegal. So keep that PTT button untouchable if you’re in listen-only mode.
• Ham Radios: If you’re already a ham radio operator (or plan to be), you might think, “Can’t I just use my ham radio on these frequencies?” Physically, many ham radios (especially handhelds) can tune outside ham bands. But legally, no, your ham license doesn’t let you transmit on Part 90/95 frequencies. Manufacturers often don’t certify ham radios for Part 90 either (with some pricey exceptions like certain models by Kenwood). So while you could program that Yaesu or Icom to, say, 151.625 MHz, pressing transmit would violate FCC rules unless you also held a Part 90 license for it. If you’re a ham wanting to experiment, consider this a great reason to pursue a proper business license or stick to just listening on those channels. Alternatively, use the ham bands to accomplish similar tasks (there are VHF/UHF ham frequencies near these ranges, and you can even set up ham repeaters for your group if you pass the exams and get coordinated – though that’s beyond this guide’s scope).

Bottom line on radios: Pick the tool that matches your license situation. If no license, go MURS or FRS. If you’re getting a license or already have GMRS, pick a radio that fully utilizes that (maybe a nice GMRS mobile for your vehicle). If you have a Part 90 business license (or access to one through work), invest in a quality Part 90 radio – it will serve you well and likely last years. And if you’re just tinkering, those inexpensive radios can be a great learning tool – just be sure you understand the rules before you key up.

(Wit bit: The fastest way to identify a radio newbie is when they show up on a business channel with a Baofeng blasting full power, using the default factory voice prompt (“Frequency mode!”) because they forgot to turn that off. Don’t be that person – read the manual, program your channels, and use your newfound powers for good!)💡

Fun Trivia: The Origin of the “Dot” Channels

No radio guide would be complete without some geeky trivia. Impress your friends on the next net with these tidbits about the dot channels:

• Colored Dots = Stickers & Paint: The whole “Red Dot/Blue Dot” naming traces back to actual colored stickers or painted dots manufacturers put on radios to denote frequencies​. Early on, companies like Motorola, Kenwood, RadioShack, etc., sold small business radios that were crystal-controlled or fixed-channel. They’d slap a colored dot on the radio or the packaging. So a hardware store clerk could say “Here, take these Green Dot radios for your crew, and they’ll all talk to each other.” It was a clever marketing ploy – no one had to know what frequency Green Dot was, just that green talks to green. This convention started many decades ago (certainly by the 1970s, possibly earlier)​ and carried into the 90s.
• The Rise of Bubble-Pack Radios: In the late 1990s, places like Home Depot and Office Depot actually sold business two-way radios in blister packs to contractors, schools, etc.. These radios often came pre-set to dot frequencies and marketed as “no technical knowledge needed.” As user mmckenna succinctly put it, “The ‘color dot’ thing was a way to sell preprogrammed radios to users without the need for programming or any real radio knowledge. It made it easy for a small business to purchase radios and know they were getting the right frequency.”​. It worked – thousands of businesses bought them.
• License? What License? A humorous (in hindsight) aspect: many buyers of these bubble-pack business radios never realized they were supposed to get an FCC license to use those channels. They just took them out of the box and started yakking. The FCC eventually noticed that enforcing licenses on, say, every construction foreman with a Blue Dot radio was impractical. So in 2000, they said “Alright, fine – we’ll make some of these freqs license-free (hence MURS was born for the VHF ones). For the others, they cracked down on businesses using GMRS and pushed them toward proper Part 90 channels or FRS for very low power. It’s a classic case of regulation following reality: the horse (unlicensed use) was out of the barn, so the FCC closed the barn door and painted it “License Free Inside.”
• The GMRS Business Loophole: Back in the day, companies could legally use GMRS channels for business, and some Color Dot frequencies were actually GMRS. For instance, White/Black/Orange Dot are GMRS frequencies that businesses used under old rules. The FCC ended that practice, grandfathering any existing licenses but not allowing new ones. This is why today you might still catch an amusement park or church on a GMRS channel – they might be operating under an old license or, more commonly, they just never got the memo. Now that FRS radios exist which require no license, most small operations have unknowingly slid into compliance by using those instead (since modern FRS and old GMRS freqs overlap).
• Why “J” and “K” (and not A, B, C…)? The letter dot channels are a mystery in naming. One theory: Some earlier low-power UHF frequencies were sometimes labeled A, B, C, etc., but J and K stuck as unique ones in the 467 MHz range. It could be that A-I were either not used or conflicted with other services, so the first available letters were J and K. Alternatively, different manufacturers might have used different letter schemes, but only J and K gained traction as standardized across brands. It’s a bit of a trivia stumper even for seasoned radio techs. But it certainly adds an air of secret agent vibe – “Meet me on Channel K” sounds cooler than “Channel 10.”
• “Star” Search: The Star channels also were sometimes denoted with star symbols on devices. One can imagine a user manual saying “Channel 4 ★ (Gold Star) – 467.875 MHz.” The use of star names (Silver, Gold, Red, Blue) probably comes from the same marketing minds that gave us color dots. They might have figured metallic star names sounded “premium” or were easy code words for nationwide channels. It’s a bit like difficulty levels in a video game – who wouldn’t want to be on Gold Star? 🌟
• Not Just the US: Other countries have their own quirks. Canada, for instance, also allowed similar business frequencies and some overlap with the US dot channels (with some differences in regulations). So a “Red Dot” radio sold in North America would likely work on the same frequency on either side of the border (though legally Canadians should get an analogous license from Industry Canada). The dot terminology, however, is predominantly an American artifact of marketing.
• Legacy in Modern Gear: Today’s high-end business digital radios (MotoTRBO, DMR, etc.) don’t use color names – they use frequency directly or talkgroup IDs. Yet, you’ll still find references to dot channels in modern programming software as default channel options. The legend lives on. Also, radio enthusiasts scanning the bands still often label these frequencies by their color/star names in scanner memory. It’s just more fun to see “Purple Dot” on your scanner display than “151.955 MHz FM 11K2F3E”.
• Drive-Thru Mystery: Ever wonder why your burger order sometimes crosses with another drive-thru? In some cases, those wireless drive-thru headsets at fast-food joints use standard business frequencies (a lot are on 154.57 Blue Dot or nearby)​. So if you key up on Blue Dot near a McDonald’s, you might actually be coming through their headset system – yikes! Conversely, some folks have reported hearing drive-thru workers on their handhelds. So the next time you hear “Welcome to Burger Barn, may I take your order?” on your dot channel, don’t respond – or do, if you want to confuse them (“Yes, I’ll have two radios and a side of fries, please.”). Just kidding – don’t interfere with legitimate business communications, even if accidental eavesdropping gives you a chuckle.

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In Conclusion: Business band frequencies offer a rich playground for communication – from serious onsite coordination to casual tinkering. By understanding what the Color Dot, Letter Dot, Star, MURS, and itinerant labels mean, and by following FCC rules, you can make the most of these channels legally and courteously. Now you’re equipped with knowledge (and a dash of wit) to get on the air and perhaps impress your radio pals. After all, not everyone can casually toss out, “Let’s switch over to Purple Dot” and actually know what they’re talking about. Happy communicating, and keep it between the dots!