Part 90 private radio (when you need encryption)
Ham radio and GMRS are powerful for volunteers and families — but encryption is prohibited on amateur bands, and GMRS is not built for private security operations. Part 90 (Private Land Mobile Radio / LMR) is the lawful path for many commercial, industrial, and estate-security use cases.
What Part 90 provides
- Dedicated frequencies licensed to your organization (not shared amateur repeaters)
- Encryption permitted on many systems (AES, P25, DMR encryption per equipment and license)
- Commercial-grade mobiles and infrastructure — simulcast, trunking, wide-area coverage
- Interoperability planning with public safety when coordinated through proper channels
What it is not
- Not a DIY $50 Baofeng upgrade — spectrum, coordination, and equipment are regulated
- Not ham radio with a “privacy code” — CTCSS is not encryption
- Not GMRS — family GMRS cannot legally carry encrypted business traffic
Do you need Part 90?
Three questions — GMRS, ham volunteer, Part 90, or consulting design.
Typical licensing path (12–20 weeks)
| Week | Milestone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Requirements & coverage study | User count, encryption, vehicle vs portable, site map |
| 3–6 | Frequency coordinator engagement | Coordination letter, proposed frequencies, interference review |
| 7–10 | FCC Form 601 filing | License grant; allow 4–8 weeks FCC processing |
| 11–14 | Equipment procurement | Part 90-type accepted radios — not amateur HTs |
| 15–20 | Programming, test, staff training | Document in PACE; first quarterly drill |
Timelines vary by coordinator backlog and site complexity. Integrated Design engagements include licensing coordination guidance — you retain coordinator and counsel relationships.
Typical path
- Define coverage, user count, and security requirements
- Work with an FCC-licensed frequency coordinator for your area
- File Form 601 / license for Private Land Mobile Service
- Procure Part 90-type accepted radios (often Motorola, Kenwood commercial, or DMR Tier III)
- Document as Primary or Alternate in PACE alongside ham/GMRS volunteer layers
KI4TQN consulting can map when Part 90 belongs in your PACE stack versus ham/GMRS/Meshtastic — Integrated Design ($7,500) and On-Site tiers include licensing coordination guidance (you retain counsel/coordinator relationships). See sample Part 90 deliverables · Run the assessment wizard first.
Volunteer emcomm remains on amateur bands — SKYWARN / ARES. Part 90 is for your private operations.