Many people wouldn’t use them or turn them on. They would not buy batteries for the damned things.
Then the government, in its infinite wisdom would decree that the radios turn on automatically when the government presses a button, and would issue vouchers for batteries for families earning under a certain amount.
Well, that WOULD make it easier for Big Brother to get ahold of us when he needs us.
And the government-issued radios could have convenient GPS tarcking systems in them, as well as transmitters (which, of course, NEVER turn off).