| Mesh (Meshtastic) | GMRS | FRS | Ham radio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Text | Voice | Voice | Voice and data |
| License | None | FCC license, no exam | None | Exam-based license |
| Relays across town | Built in, automatic | Repeaters, if available | No | Repeaters and more |
| Battery life | Days | Hours to a day | Hours to a day | Varies |
| Message record | Yes, logged | No | No | Depends |
| Best for | Residents and staff, two-way text | Families and groups | Short-range family use | Trained volunteers, long distance |
Mesh text
Best for reaching many households: anyone can join with no license, messages relay across town automatically, and every message is logged for staff. The limit is short text only.
GMRS
Good voice radios for families and work crews. A single license covers a family. Range across town depends on a repeater.
FRS
Inexpensive, license-free, short-range walkie-talkies. Useful within a neighborhood, not across a town.
Amateur radio
The most capable option, reaching across states, but it takes trained, licensed operators. Many counties have an ARES or RACES group; they’re a valuable partner for any plan.
The answer for most towns
Use them together. A mesh network gives residents and staff two-way text; ham volunteers connect the town to the county and beyond. See planning in layers.