Swiss Mesh

Walkie Talkies

Legal, technical, and practical guidance for walkie talkies in Switzerland (PMR446 and LPD 433/434 MHz).

Back to home Forum

Walkie Talkies in Switzerland

PMR446 & LPD 433/434 MHz – What You Need to Know

Before buying a cheap walkie-talkie from China, always check the official list of non-compliant devices:
https://www.bakom.admin.ch/de/nicht-konforme-geraete

This document summarizes the legal, technical, and practical aspects of using walkie talkies in Switzerland, with a focus on PMR446 and LPD 433/434 MHz.

1. PMR446 in Switzerland 🇨🇭

PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio) is a Europe-wide harmonized, license-free radio service intended for short-range voice communication.

  • ✅ License-free in Switzerland
  • Regulated by BAKOM (Bundesamt fuer Kommunikation)

Technical requirements

  • Frequency range: 446.000 – 446.200 MHz
  • Channels:
    • 16 analog channels (PMR446)
    • additional digital channels (dPMR / DMR Tier I)
  • Max power: 0.5 W ERP
  • Antenna: must be integrated / non-removable
  • Mode: simplex only (no repeaters)
  • Encryption: ❌ not allowed

What is not allowed

  • ❌ Higher power than 0.5 W
  • ❌ Removable or external antennas
  • ❌ Programming other bands (FRS, GMRS, VHF, UHF business)
  • ❌ Repeaters or infrastructure use

Practical notes

  • PMR446 is shared → interference must be tolerated
  • No channel ownership or priority
  • Suitable for hiking, family trips, events, construction sites (short range)

2. LPD 433 / 434 MHz (Low Power Devices)

LPD433 refers to very low-power radios operating in the 433 MHz SRD band.

  • ⚠️ Very limited and problematic
  • Max power: approx. 10 mW ERP
  • Range: typically < 300–500 m
  • Band is heavily used by:
    • remote controls
    • weather sensors
    • alarms
    • IoT / SRD devices

Important historical note

  • Switzerland effectively phased out LPD walkie-talkies in the mid-2000s
  • Many LPD radios sold online today do not meet Swiss rules
  • Devices may be legal to own, but illegal to operate

👉 In practice:
If you want license-free voice radios in Switzerland, PMR446 is strongly preferred over LPD.

3. Buying Walkie Talkies from China or Online ⚠️

When importing radios from abroad:

  • The buyer is legally responsible
  • CE marking alone is not sufficient
  • Many cheap radios:
    • exceed power limits
    • cover forbidden frequencies
    • have removable antennas
    • advertise “long range” illegally

Consequences

  • Confiscation of the device
  • Fines
  • In severe cases: criminal proceedings

Always verify:

  • PMR446-only operation
  • 0.5 W max power
  • fixed antenna
  • ETSI compliance

4. Comparison Overview

FeaturePMR446LPD 433
License needed❌ No❌ No
Max power0.5 W~10 mW
Typical range0.5–5 km (terrain)< 500 m
AntennaFixedFixed
Band crowdingMediumVery high
Recommendation✅ Yes⚠️ Not recommended
  • CB Radio (27 MHz)
    • License-free, larger antennas, longer range
  • Business / Professional PMR
    • Requires license from BAKOM
  • Amateur Radio (HB3 / HB9)
    • License required, much broader privileges
  • Meshtastic / ISM LoRa (433 / 868 MHz)
    • Data only, different legal framework

6. Practical Buying Advice ✅

✔ Buy from Swiss or EU dealers
✔ Explicitly labeled PMR446 compliant
✔ Avoid “multi-band” or “programmable” radios
✔ Ignore exaggerated range claims
✔ Check the BAKOM non-compliance list before purchase

Sources & References