Cheap Comms - Baofeng Radios

[Grant H.]

Why would it be illegal to use a particular brand if you're licensed?

The radio hardware isn't licensed/certified for use on those bands.

Not only do you the operator have to have a license for operations, but the radio has to be tested/certified/licensed for use on those bands in the US.

As an example, you have LOTS of devices that are known to broadcast RF that have a label that says something along the lines of "this device complies with part 15 (insert other part as necessary for device, band, etc) of the FCC reg's". Your wifi router operates in the ISM band, which does NOT require YOU to have a license, but it has to "licensed"/tested/registered with the FCC before it can be sold in the US.