27Mc channels

27 MHz (27 MC) channels in the Netherlands and Europe

The 27 MHz band—better known as 27 MC or CB radio (Citizens' Band)—has been popular for over forty years among truck drivers, hobbyists, farmers, campers, and motorcycle or off-road enthusiasts. The band can be used without a license or registration, provided your device complies with the European CEPT standard.

Note: Since 2023, the regulatory authority in the Netherlands is no longer the *Agentschap Telecom* (Radiocommunications Agency) but the *Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur* (RDI – State Inspectorate for Digital Infrastructure). They oversee the proper use of the 27 MC band.

Permitted transmit power

Modulation Maximum power

FM / AM 4 watts

SSB (USB and LSB) 12 watts PEP (peak power)

At CBShop, we also stock various export models with higher wattage for extended range. Please note: in the Netherlands and most EU countries, these may only be used legally within the limits mentioned above.

These power levels are established in the CEPT/ECC decision ECC/DEC/(11)03 ("The harmonised use of frequencies for Citizens' Band radio equipment"), which has been implemented in the Netherlands since 2011. Older sources sometimes still cite 1 watt of carrier power for AM/SSB; this corresponds to the current 4 watts (AM) and 12 watts PEP (SSB) respectively, so it is not a contradiction but simply an outdated way of specifying the power.

At CBShop in Overloon, we consider this your own responsibility; we assume you are a serious user who will not, for instance, play music on actual amateur radio channels.

Consequently, we provide our standard 2-year warranty on the radios we have modified, even though they feature more channels and higher power output and are no longer in their factory-standard configuration. Standard 27 MHz channels (1–40)

The frequencies listed below officially apply in the Netherlands and across virtually all of Europe. Some countries (such as Poland and Italy) use different or additional channels. Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

01 26.965 21 27.215

02 26.975 22 27.225

03 26.985 23 27.255

04 27.005 24 27.235

05 27.015 25 27.245

06 27.025 26 27.265

07 27.035 27 27.275

08 27.055 28 27.285

09 27.065 29 27.295

10 27.075 30 27.305

11 27.085 31 27.315

12 27.105 32 27.325

13 27.115 33 27.335

14 27.125 34 27.345

15 27.135 35 27.355

16 27.155 36 27.365

17 27.165 37 27.375

18 27.175 38 27.385

19 27.185 39 27.395

20 27.205 40 27.405

Popular and special channels

Channel 4 / 14 – general calling channels for establishing contact

Channel 9 – emergency channel, exclusively for emergencies

Channel 16 – widely used by 4x4 and off-road drivers

Channel 19 – the well-known truckers' channel, used on highways

Channel 22 – popular among campers and motorhome drivers

Channels 34 and 40 – sometimes used for packet radio (digital transmission)

This arrangement is not an official rule but a user convention widely followed in practice.

Export radios: extra channels and bands

Many modern CB radios — particularly so-called export models — offer up to 400 channels spread across multiple bands (A–J). This includes the standard 40-channel band shown above, but allows you to switch to adjacent frequency ranges as well.

Example of a common band plan for President export models:

Band Frequency range (MHz)

A 26.965 – 27.405 (standard 27 MHz)

B 27.405 – 27.855

C 26.515 – 26.955

D 27.865 – 28.305

E 26.065 – 26.505

F 28.315 – 28.755

G 25.615 – 26.055

H 28.765 – 29.205

I 29.215 – 29.655

J 29.665 – 30.105

Important: in the Netherlands and most EU countries, only the standard band (26.965–27.405 MHz, 40 channels) is legal without a license. Transmitting on other bands falls outside the CEPT standard and is not permitted without a separate authorization—so only do this if you know exactly what is and isn't allowed in your country.

Tips for better range

Antenna over power – a well-tuned antenna (SWR preferably below 1.5) has a much greater impact on your range than extra wattage.

Increasing power has limited effect – to roughly double your range, transmit power needs to increase by a factor of 8 to 10. Going from 4 to 35 watts won't double your transmission distance, but it will provide a noticeably greater range.

Antenna height matters – the higher the antenna is mounted, the further your signal travels, especially with SSB.

SSB for long-distance (DX) – with favorable propagation conditions, SSB allows you to make contacts over hundreds of kilometers—much further than with FM or AM.

Check local regulations abroad – not every country uses the same channel plan or modulation; some countries, for instance, only permit AM or FM.

In summary

The 27 MHz (CB) band still offers plenty of opportunities for license-free communication. Thanks to modern equipment, widespread SSB support, and European standardization, it remains a vibrant hobby—whether you're on the road in a truck or camper, off-roading, or simply at home using your radio.

Kanalen 34 + 40 zijn voor 'PACKET RADIO' (27MC with computer).