Licences for Two-Way Radios - Do You Need One?

Released On 13th Nov 2023

Updated 2025 - UK guidance on Ofcom radio licences: who needs one, licence-free vs licensed radios, available licence types, costs, and PoC alternatives.

UPDATED 19/8/2025

Two-way radio licensing in the UK can seem complicated, but understanding the basics is helpful if you’re using radios regularly. This guide explains the difference between licence-free and licensed radios, when a licence is required, the types of Ofcom licence available, and how to apply.

We use “two-way radio” and “walkie-talkie” interchangeably here – the terms are often used that way – but “walkie-talkie” typically refers to lower-powered, licence-free radios.

Licensing exists to stop interference with vital services such as emergency responders, aviation, and other authorised users. Ofcom allocates frequencies through various licence types so businesses and individuals can communicate reliably without disrupting other services.

What's the difference between PMR446 and a business radio licence?

Most business radios need an Ofcom licence, but PMR446 radios are the exception. These low-power, licence-free devices (maximum 0.5 Watts) are pre-programmed to operate on specific 446 MHz frequencies. They work straight out of the box, are easy to use and are ideal for small-scale or casual use.

However, PMR446 radios have limitations: their range is usually 1 to 2 km, their shared frequencies can be congested, and they offer little privacy. They’re affordable and simple, but unsuitable for most professional needs.

Licensed radios, by contrast, use more powerful frequencies (0.5 to 5 Watts for handhelds, up to 25 Watts for vehicle or base units), giving greater range, a clearer signal in challenging environments, and access to dedicated channels with far less interference and encryption for confidential transmissions. They cost more to run due to licensing fees, but the performance benefits are significant for most business users.

Most licences are easy to apply for, but RadioTrader can help with your application if needed. 

What type of Ofcom licence does your business need?

Ofcom provides different levels of business radio licences. Here are the most common options:

• Simple UK Light licence – Lets you use radios anywhere in the UK on 19 shared frequencies spread over four Business Radio frequency bands. All users with a Simple UK Light licence share this set of frequencies. Suitable for handheld and vehicle radios but not base stations.

 Licence cost - £75 for five years. Radio Trader can supply both handheld and vehicle-mounted radios on these frequencies.

• Simple Site Light licence – Covers a small area (typically up to 1 km). Ideal for radio systems with a base station and mobile units over a small area. Popular for factories, care homes, or housing associations. A range of frequencies is available for use, shared with other Simple Site Light users.

Licence cost - £75 per site for five years.

• Suppliers' Light licence – A Business Radio Suppliers' licence permits the holder to:
  • Service and repair business radio and marine equipment
  • Hire out business radios or radio paging equipment to customers for up to one year.  This means our customers don't need to worry about a licence with our short-term radio hire services. 
  • Allocate business radio equipment to customers awaiting Business Radio licences, for up to three months (known as “parking”).
  • Demonstrate business radio equipment to customers for up to 8 days.

Users of this type of licence share a range of frequencies.

Licence cost - £75 for five years.

• Technically Assigned licence – Flexible, authorising the use of a wide range of business radio equipment, with a wide choice of frequencies and coverage areas from a single building to county-wide.

Licence cost – Varies from £75 to £1,480 per channel, depending on factors like area and demand.

• Area Defined licence – Provides exclusive use of a frequency within a chosen area, from 50 km² to nationwide. You’ll need to check spectrum availability with Ofcom first, as UK-wide channel availability can be limited. 

Licence cost - Costs will vary depending on the frequency width, its range and the region it covers, but exclusivity will raise the cost to several thousand pounds. Ask RadioTrader for more advice about this type of licence.

How to apply for a business radio licence

Most business radio licences can be applied for online via Ofcom’s Spectrum Licensing Portal. Paper application forms are only required for Technically Assigned licences where the system uses multiple base stations, antennas, or remote control points. RadioTrader customers benefit from our free application service. 

Ask about RadioTrader's free Ofcom licence application service

If all this sounds rather complex, don't panic! When you buy a two-way radio from RadioTrader that needs a licence, we’ll apply for a licence on your behalf – this is a free service we offer to ensure all our customers have the right licences in place. Read more about our free licence advice and application service.

• We'll cut through the jargon to explain everything
• Help you decide which Ofcom licence is best for your situation
• Make sure your licence application to Ofcom goes smoothly.

Alternatives to licensed two-way radios: PoC Radios

Some businesses benefit from alternative options when licensed radios aren’t ideal for their needs, particularly in industries where flexibility or wide-area coverage is essential. 

For example, Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) radios use 4G/5G or Wi-Fi to deliver near-national coverage without a radio licence, frequency coordination, or Ofcom paperwork. 

You’ll find the following content useful if you’re considering PoC radios as an alternative to conventional licensed radios:

• What is a Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) Radio?
• PoC Radios vs Two-Way Radios or Mobile Phones

For most on-site and fleet users, Ofcom’s licensed options like Simple UK Light, Simple Site Light or Technically Assigned licences remain the most practical choice, but exploring these alternatives can be useful. 

Radio Licence FAQs

• Can I use a two-way radio abroad with a UK licence?

No. Ofcom licences only cover use within the UK. If you plan to use radios overseas, you must comply with local regulations and may need a separate licence. Some businesses use licence-free PMR446 radios, which are permitted in many EU countries, or Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) for cross-border communication, as these don’t rely on fixed radio frequencies. 

• What happens if I use a two-way radio without the correct licence?

Operating without a valid licence is illegal and can lead to criminal charges through Ofcom enforcement, substantial fines, equipment seizure or even imprisonment if you’re convicted. 

• Do I need a licence for walkie-talkies at an event or festival?

It depends. PMR446 radios (licence-free) can be used for small events, but their limited range and shared frequencies may cause interference. For larger events, Simple Site Light or Technically Assigned licences, as described above - are recommended to ensure reliable, interference-free communication.

• Are there secure two-way radios that don’t need a licence?

Most licence-free PMR446 radios do not offer strong security for sensitive or confidential information. They share public frequencies, meaning anyone on the same frequency can listen to your transmissions. Some digital PMR446 models use basic encryption or privacy codes, but for true security, a licensed digital system (DMR Tier II) is needed.

• Can I share my Ofcom radio licence with another business?

Usually, no. Ofcom licences are granted to a specific organisation and site. Sharing with third parties may breach your licence terms unless they are subcontractors directly working for you under your supervision. You can apply to transfer a radio licence to a different business, but Ofcom will need to approve the transfer.

• How do I check if a frequency is already in use in my area?

You can use Ofcom’s Wireless Telegraphy Register to search for frequency allocations in your area. Licensed users can also contact Ofcom for coordination support when applying.

• Do I need a licence for two-way radios on construction sites?

Yes, unless you use PMR446 licence-free radios for small, short-range jobs. Most construction sites benefit from a Simple Site Light licence or Technically Assigned licence to avoid interference and improve coverage.

• Are there temporary or short-term licences available?

Yes. Ofcom allows two-way radios to be licensed for short-term use at events, usually through a Simple Site Light or Technically Assigned licence. These can be arranged directly with Ofcom or alternatively, when you hire radios from RadioTrader, we will take care of all your licensing needs. 

• What is the process for renewing or upgrading my radio licence?

Most Ofcom licences can be renewed online via the Ofcom Spectrum Licensing Portal. If you need wider coverage, more power, or additional channels, you can apply to upgrade to a Technically Assigned or Area Defined licence during renewal.

Get in touch for expert help - Call 0151 676 2888 or chat online with our team.

Recommended Products:

• The Motorola DP4400e, recommended for use with Technically Assigned Radio Licences.
• The Motorola DM4400e, ideal for use with Area Defined Radio Licences.
• An ideal licence-free radio - the Hytera PD505LF Licence-Free PMR446  

Tags: Business Radio Licence, Licence Free Frequencies, Ofcom, Two Way Radio Licences, Two Way Radios