Sounds like your friends might be using FRS (family radio service), they are fine for short range work. You should check out the GMRS (general mobile radop service). There are both handhelds and base/mobile units with much more power. The GMRS radios are widely available and there is a fee for the license. There is no test like for a HAM license. GMRS radios also share some frequencies with the FRS radios. The other option is MURS ( multiple user radio service ?) These radios will be more expensive and I don't think that they share any frequencies. Most large Ham radio catalogs will have some GMRS stuff in them. you can PM me if you need more info.