Since radio began the business of distant, wireless communication has fascinated many and it wasn’t long before associations of amateur radio operators were formed. One reason people choose amateur radio is that you can operate up to 1000 watts as compared to 4 watts with CB radio. The frequencies available for amateur radio are more diverse and less crowded. With new satellite capabilities it is possible to reach anywhere in the world. There is a price to be paid for access to all this wonderful technology of course, you must take and pass a series of licensing exams.
There are several different types of amateur radio license available.
The Novice license allows operations on several High Frequency bands via Morse code as well as ssb communication by voice between 28.3 and 28.5 MHz also between 28.1 and 28.3 for radio teletype. To access these frequencies all you need is a amateur unit  Although these radios are commonly referred to as a ham unit they are quite differnt as a CB radio does not require you to have a license and a amateur unit does. SSB and FM voice and two-way broadcasting via TV frequencies are permissable between 222.01 and 223.91 Mhz and also 1270 – 1295 Mhz.It is not hard to acquire a Novice licence, you simply need to be able to do Morse code at 5 words per minute and pass a radio theory test.
The Technician license restricts voice communication to the same frequency range as the Novice in addition to the VHF and UHF amateur radio bandsAcquiring a Technicians license opens up the VHF and UHF bands.|The Technicians license means that you can now transmit on the UHF and VHF frequencies. In order to get this license all you need is to pass a simple test on radio theory and FCC regulations.
The next step is the General Class. A General Class operator can operate on High Frequency, Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency. To get this level of license you must pass a test on general radio theory, fcc regulations, and a Morse Code speed test..
If you can pass a more advanced radio theory test the Advanced Class license allows access to even more frequencies.
Once you have passed alll the other grades the best license you can get for ham radio is the Extra Class license. Acquiring the Extra Class Licence means you are granted access to every frequency assigned to amatuer radio operators. To get this license you must have completed the previos licencing tests and pass a new, more complex theory and morse code test..
The American Radio Relay League is a non profit group that helps amatuer radio operators pass their exams by providing all the information you may need.
For people not interested in all that, there is CB radio. There are no examinations to pass and there is no license to obtain. CBers tend to be a little more light hearted and amusing. You can start immediately all you need is the right equipment. Sound like something you want to try?