Is CB Radio Dead

The Evolution of CB Radio: From Peak to Presumed Obsolescence

The story of Citizens Band radio in America resembles a classic boom-and-bust cycle—but with an unexpected epilogue that continues today.

CB radio reached its cultural zenith in the mid-1970s, catalyzed by the 1973 oil crisis when truckers used CB channels to locate fuel and warn each other about speed traps. The technology infiltrated mainstream culture through films like "Smokey and the Bandit" and C.W. McCall's hit song "Convoy." By 1977, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had issued over 12 million CB licenses, though actual usage was likely much higher.

As the CB craze faded in the 1980s, many predicted its eventual extinction. The introduction of cell phones, followed by smartphones, seemed to confirm this trajectory. Why would anyone use a staticky radio with limited range when they could simply call or text?

Yet CB radio never completely disappeared. Instead, it found a stable niche among professional drivers, off-road enthusiasts, and emergency preparedness advocates. According to industry reports, annual CB radio sales have stabilized around 1 million units in the United States—modest compared to its heyday, but far from extinction.

"CB radio isn't dead—it's specialized," explains Mike Johnson, who has operated a radio equipment shop in Tennessee for over 30 years. "We're actually seeing younger customers interested in CB as part of a broader movement toward communication redundancy and self-reliance."

Why CB Radio Still Matters: Advantages in a Digital Age

In an era of ubiquitous cellular coverage and satellite communications, CB radio continues to offer several distinct advantages:

No Infrastructure Dependencies

Perhaps CB's greatest strength is its independence from external infrastructure. While cell phones require functioning towers, internet access depends on complex networks, and even satellite phones need operational satellites and ground stations, CB radios operate directly between units. This point-to-point communication becomes invaluable during emergencies when other systems fail.

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and more recent disasters, CB radio provided critical communication capabilities when cell networks were overwhelmed or disabled. The 2023 California wildfires similarly demonstrated how quickly modern communication infrastructure can fail precisely when most needed.

No Service Fees or Licenses

Unlike cell phones with their monthly service fees or ham radio with its licensing requirements, CB radio remains license-free in the United States and many other countries. The initial purchase price of the equipment (typically $50-$200 for a basic setup) represents the only significant cost. This accessibility makes CB radio an economical backup communication option or entry point for those interested in radio communications.

Inherent Privacy Through Obscurity

While not encrypted, CB communications offer a degree of privacy through their limited range and decreasing popularity. Conversations typically travel 1-5 miles (though this can extend to 20+ miles with optimal conditions and equipment), making them difficult to intercept beyond these boundaries. Unlike digital communications that can be permanently stored and analyzed, CB transmissions are ephemeral unless specifically recorded.

Community Building

CB channels still foster distinct communities, particularly among truckers, off-roaders, and rural residents. Channel 19 remains active as the unofficial truckers' channel across America's highways, while local communities often designate specific channels for regional communication.

"There's something uniquely human about CB communication," notes Sarah Rodriguez, an anthropologist studying communication technologies. "The voice-to-voice connection creates a different kind of community than text-based communication, especially among strangers who might never otherwise interact."

Modern CB Radio Applications: Who's Still Using It?

Far from disappearing, CB radio has adapted to find relevant applications in several modern contexts:

Professional Transportation

The trucking industry remains the most visible and consistent CB radio user base. Despite the proliferation of smartphones, many professional drivers maintain CB radios for immediate communication about road conditions, accidents, weather hazards, and traffic enforcement activity. The immediacy of broadcasting a warning about debris on the highway or a sudden traffic stoppage provides safety benefits that no app can match.

Off-Road and Outdoor Recreation

The growing popularity of off-road vehicles and overlanding (self-reliant overland travel) has created a new generation of CB users. When traveling beyond cellular coverage in remote areas, CB radio provides essential group communication for safety and coordination. Many off-road clubs and events still designate official CB channels for participant communication.

"We require CB radios for all vehicles on our organized trail runs," explains Alex Wei, president of an off-road club in Colorado. "When you're navigating difficult terrain in a convoy, immediate communication can prevent accidents and keep everyone moving safely."

Emergency Preparedness

The emergency preparedness community has embraced CB radio as part of a layered communication strategy. Alongside weather radios, ham radio, and satellite messengers, CB provides an accessible option requiring minimal technical expertise. Organizations like CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) often include CB radio in their communications planning for disaster scenarios.

Rural Communities

In areas with limited or unreliable cellular coverage, CB radio continues to serve as a practical communication tool. Farmers, ranchers, and rural residents use CB for coordinating work activities, checking on neighbors, and maintaining connection in remote areas.

Digital Alternatives vs. CB Radio: A Comparative Analysis

To properly assess CB radio's current relevance, it's important to compare it with modern alternatives:

This comparison reveals CB radio's unique position as an accessible, infrastructure-independent option with no ongoing costs or licensing requirements—advantages that continue to make it relevant despite technological advances.

Setting Up a Modern CB Radio Station: What You Need to Know

If you're considering CB radio as a communication option, the technology has evolved since its 1970s heyday. Here's what you need to know:

Basic Equipment Needs

A functional CB setup requires:

1. A CB radio unit - Modern units offer clearer reception and transmission than vintage models. Expect to spend $50-$100 for a basic mobile unit or $100-$200 for a feature-rich base station.
2. Antenna - The most critical component for effective range. Mobile antennas mount on vehicles, while base antennas are installed at fixed locations. A quality antenna usually costs $30-$100.
3. Power source - Mobile units typically connect to vehicle electrical systems, while base stations require AC power or battery backups for emergency operation.

Modern Features to Consider

Today's CB radios include features that weren't available in earlier generations:

• Weather channels - Many modern CBs include NOAA weather radio reception
• Bluetooth connectivity - For hands-free operation in vehicles
• Digital signal processing - For improved clarity and noise reduction
• USB charging ports - For powering smartphones or other devices
• Compact designs - Taking up less dashboard space than their predecessors

Legal Considerations

CB radio operation in the United States remains regulated by the FCC, though no license is required. Key regulations include:

• Maximum power output of 4 watts AM/12 watts SSB
• Operation restricted to 40 designated channels (26.965-27.405 MHz)
• Prohibition of amplifiers ("linear amps") to boost power
• Restriction against communicating with stations over 155.3 miles away

The Future of CB Radio: Adapting to Changing Communication Landscapes

What does the future hold for CB radio technology? Several trends suggest both challenges and opportunities:

Integration with Digital Technologies

Some manufacturers are exploring hybrid systems that combine traditional CB radio with digital capabilities, including smartphone connectivity and GPS integration. These innovations could help CB maintain relevance while preserving its core advantages.

Evolving Regulatory Environment

The FCC has periodically considered updates to CB radio regulations. Future changes could potentially expand available channels or adjust power limitations, though no major regulatory shifts are currently pending.

Demographic Shifts

The traditional CB user base is aging, but new demographics—including millennials interested in overlanding, communication redundancy, and emergency preparedness—are discovering the technology for practical rather than nostalgic reasons.

Survival Through Complementary Use

CB radio's future likely depends on its positioning as a complementary technology rather than a primary communication method. Its role as a backup or specialized tool ensures continued relevance even as digital communications dominate everyday use.