The transmit power is due to the frequencies they support FRS is "capped" at 500mw, MURS requires 2W for all channels. As such 500mw is a standard transmit power for most 2 way handsets even "high end" consumer ones. http://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_xu/products/consumer-two... FRS handsets are still by far more common and you can communicate with GMRS stations which are more common as far as emergency services go.