In the United Kingdom – frequency use for Baofeng UV-5R and other two-way radios (as in the USA) is governed by regulations to ensure that transmissions do not interfere with other services.
Here is a list of commonly used frequencies (across the radio’s frequency range) that are legal for use by Baofeng UV-5R users in the UK.
UK Amateur Radio Frequencies
2 Meter Band (VHF)
- 144.000 – 146.000 MHz
70 cm Band (UHF)
- 430.000 – 440.000 MHz
These bands are reserved for licensed amateur radio operators. To transmit on these frequencies, you must hold a valid amateur radio license from Ofcom.
PMR446 Frequencies (License-Free)
PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio) is a license-free service available in the UK and Europe for personal or business use. Note that Baofeng UV-5R radios do not fully comply with PMR446 specifications (e.g., Baofeng radios do not have a fixed antenna, as well they well exceed the 0.5 W ERP).
However, they are often used for this purpose by modifying their settings:
Channels 1-8 (Analog)
- 446.00625 MHz
- 446.01875 MHz
- 446.03125 MHz
- 446.04375 MHz
- 446.05625 MHz
- 446.06875 MHz
- 446.08125 MHz
- 446.09375 MHz
Channels 9-16 (Digital)
- 446.103125 MHz
- 446.109375 MHz
- 446.115625 MHz
- 446.121875 MHz
- 446.128125 MHz
- 446.134375 MHz
- 446.140625 MHz
- 446.146875 MHz
Marine VHF
Not recommended for use with Baofeng UV-5R
Marine VHF channels are reserved for maritime communication and require a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate.
Other Frequencies
UK Simple Light (Business Use, License Required)
- 449.3125 MHz
- 449.4000 MHz
- 449.4750 MHz
UK General (Business Use, License Required)
- 456.8125 MHz
- 457.0375 MHz
- 457.0500 MHz
- 457.0875 MHz
- 457.1125 MHz
- 457.1375 MHz
Important Notes
- Compliance: Ensure that you comply with all local regulations and licensing requirements when using these frequencies.
- Interference: Be aware of potential interference with other services and users.
- Programming: Properly program your Baofeng UV-5R to avoid using unauthorized frequencies.
Always refer to Ofcom and other regulatory bodies for the most current and specific regulations regarding frequency use in the UK.
