Advanced guide · Advanced · 7 min
Radio without a network: PMR446, citizens' band, amateur radio and MeshCore
Which radio to choose, what Portugal's regulator ANACOM allows without a licence, and what to expect from each — from family in the same neighbourhood to text messages over LoRa.
In 30 seconds
The essentials, in four points.
is the limit for PMR446 walkie-talkies, with a fixed antenna and free to use. For a family in the same area, they're the simplest choice.
is the distress, urgency and safety channel on citizens' band (27.065 MHz). In Portugal, CB has been licence-free since 2017 and allows an external antenna.
To transmit on amateur radio bands you need ANACOM's certificate, obtained by exam. Without it, dual-band radios bought online must not be used to transmit.
MeshCore radios send text messages with no network or internet, from device to device. In Portugal they use 433 MHz or 868 MHz, licence-free — and only work if there are other devices nearby.
Four ways to communicate without a network — and what each is for.
A radio is only useful if someone is on the other end. Before buying, ask yourself who you want to talk to and how far away: family in the same neighbourhood, a neighbour in the next village, or anyone who happens to be listening. The answer picks the radio.
| Option | Licence-free | Voice | Text | External antenna | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMR446 | ● Yes | ● Yes | ○ No | ○ No | family, nearby |
| Citizens' band (CB) | ● Yes | ● Yes | ○ No | ● Yes | car, village, neighbours |
| Amateur radio | ○ exam | ● Yes | ● Yes | ● Yes | long distances |
| MeshCore (LoRa) | ● Yes | ○ No | ● Yes | ● Yes | messages, neighbour network |
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- ANACOM — Network licence exemption (PMR446), revised 28 April 2026 (in Portuguese) — 446.0–446.2 MHz, 500 mW, integrated antenna, no base stations or repeaters
- ANACOM — Station licence exemption, revised 25 November 2025 (in Portuguese) — citizens' band: band, power, channels 9 and 11; 869.4–869.65 MHz band
- ANACOM — CB station licence exemption (in Portuguese) — exempt since 11/03/2017
- ANACOM — Amateur service procedures (in Portuguese) — National Amateur Certificate, categories, exam
- MeshCore Portugal — 433 MHz or 868 MHz (in Portuguese) — frequencies, power, bridges between bands
- MeshCore Portugal — Transmit power and limits (in Portuguese) — ANACOM rules for short-range devices
Reviewed 1 Oct 2026 · Next review: Mar 2027 · Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
This guide does not replace ANACOM regulations. In an emergency, call 112.