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You need a ham radio license to send data on APRS frequencies.

detaro
Depends. Various parts of Europe have bands that can be used licenseless and allow data, e.g. in Germany there was somewhat of a community doing APRS-over-CB (past tense because I haven't kept up if thats still a thing).
nunobrito
Except under emergency situations, which are the cases we are talking here.
detaro
Things like this really benefit from experience and practice though. If an emergency is the first time you try to really use your radio, it's probably not going all that well.
nunobrito
That is indeed true. Practicing is important. To remember: APRS is available on other frequencies and methods, one does not need a radio license to receive text messages.

APRS is friendly enough to permit sending messages using normal internet and receiving messages from friends while on the outdoors. However, all of this requires practice and know-how.

dahrkael
i always wondered if in case of natural disaster/war the state does really have the time and resources to chase unlicensed use of radio frequencies
detaro
it doesn't, but if you only start learning and using your equipment once disaster has hit you are a bit late (and possibly getting in the way of others trying to use radios properly).
nunobrito
Yes, that is the case. By the time you learn and get more equipment, you might as well get a proper radio license too. If you are interested on the topic, it is worth doing (in my opinion)

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