If you’ve ever wondered “What’s the farthest-reaching radio I can buy?” — this video is for you. Despite what ads and internet myths claim, no handheld radio can magically reach 100, 500, or 1,000 miles on its own. There is no new technology that breaks the laws of radio physics. But there are several legitimate ways people achieve long-distance communications — each with its own pros, cons, and limitations. In this video, I break down exactly how real radio range works, covering: - Why handhelds can’t reach extreme distances - What “unlimited range” products are actually doing - Cell networks, digital repeaters, and push-to-talk radios - Satellite messengers vs SAT phones - GMRS & ham repeaters (the real “cheat code” for range) - HF radio and worldwide skip propagation - Why no tiny radio can transmit cross-country without a network This is your complete, beginner-friendly explanation of radio wave reality, how signals travel, and which technology actually works for emergency communications. ⏱️ Chapters (Based on Your Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro: The “farthest-reaching radio” question 00:20 – Radio waves 101: Long vs short wavelengths 00:55 – Misleading ads & “1,000 mile radio” scams 01:33 – Cellular networks & push-to-talk radios 02:45 – Frequency limits & why cell-based radios lack simplex 03:53 – Satellite communication explained 05:03 – GMRS & ham simplex communication 05:46 – Repeaters: the true “cheat code” for big range 07:32 – Limitations: local vs long-distance communications 08:10 – HF radio: worldwide communication (with conditions) 09:48 – Final thoughts ? Need Help Programming Your Radio? I offer a service where I pre-program radios with repeaters custom for your area, pre-programmed and ready to go in the event of an emergency: https://citizensurvivalplan.com/discount/HOLIDAY15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Femergency-radios https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-k5plus-pre-programmed-radio https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/baofeng-uv25-pre-programmed-radios https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/btech-uv-50x2-mobile-radio-custom-programmed https://citizensurvivalplan.com/products/custom-radio-programming-chirp-file ? Use Code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off all pre-programmed radios now through 12/31/25. ▶️ Related Videos How to Pick an Emergency Radio & Which to Avoid https://youtu.be/Pzq1Es9Kl6Q Difference Between a Walkie Talkie and Real Radio https://youtu.be/jXbPSYogIEc Radio Rules the FCC Doesn't Care About & Why https://youtu.be/vCtU_PM9_wE Radio Basics for Preppers https://youtu.be/SLyZy5OuirM GMRS Tips for Beginners to Maximize Your Range https://youtu.be/Ra-hxyRhvxc How GMRS Repeaters Work & How to Connect to One https://youtu.be/XFvJcJD4-Is How to Program your GMRS Radio: Step-by-Step Setup Tutorial https://youtu.be/S-B0-2isrrg How Radio Offsets Work https://youtu.be/h1sAqRih2so Radio Bands Explained https://youtu.be/3rz10lRc-HQ Every GMRS Radio Setting Explained https://youtu.be/y7zEixMDTTI ? Subscribe to Citizen Survival Plan for more emergency radio tips. https://youtube.com/@citizensurvivalplan?si=YLjUzgiD48Qv1Z-y