What is a CB Radio?
Citizens’ band (CB) radio is a communication device that allows people to talk to each other using a radio frequency. The CB radio user has 40 channels to choose from and uses an 11 meter band or 27 MHz. CB radio was originally intended for use by government divisions such as the military, and in the 1960s, it was mainly used by taxi firms and tradesmen.
The 1970s saw an explosion in the use of CB radio. The radio equipment technology had become smaller and gained in popularity among truckers. Since the national speed limit had been lowered to 55 mph (90 kph), truckers began to use CB radios to alert each other when they saw speed traps set up by the police.
CB radio popularity also took off in the 1970s thanks to films such as Convoy and the Smokey and the Bandit series. Television shows such as The Dukes of Hazzard also helped the device gain popularity. These films and television shows depicted truckers and good ole boys outrunning the law with the help of their CB radios.
At the same time, the popularity of CB radio exploded around the world. CB radio clubs were formed, and not only truckers were members. Many people spent hours in their homes chatting to people on CB radio. CB radio users had their own language and their own call sign names, known as handles. Channel 9 was specifically designated for emergency calls to provide assistance for parties in trouble.
People who owned a CB radio were legally required to obtain a license for it. Many people ignored this rule, as doing so contributed to the outlaw image of the CB radio enthusiast. As with any form of communication in which a person can remain anonymous, the system was open to abuse. Crank radio calls were a source of irritation to some and hilarity to others.
CB radio is still a popular pastime for many people around the world, but with the advent of the Internet and mobile phones, it is no longer as popular as it once was. It is still used widely by truckers and is particularly useful in rural areas where phone lines cannot be used.
Written by Garry Crystal
