Do I need a Licence for a Two Way Radio?
Released On 9th Jun 2014
This guide will help you understand:
- when you need a licence for a two way radio system
- the common types of licence
- how to apply for them with Ofcom.
Shop for a licence-free two way radio straight away, or read on for more information.
When you need a licenced two way radio system
If you use a two-way radio system that does not operate on one of the pre-programmed, licence-free frequencies (within the band 446.0 - 446.1 MHz) approved by Ofcom, you'll need a licence. All business radio licences are regulated and issued by Ofcom.
Many businesses choose a licenced two way radio system because, despite the benefits of licence free radios (PMR 446), they do have some disadvantages (such as lower power, interference and a shorter range) which can make them less suitable than licenced radio systems for some businesses.
Taxi and other transport companies, large sites such as hospitals or factories, and businesses based in more than one location are typical examples of situations where a licenced radio system might be a preferred option.
These users need more powerful radios than handheld portable “walkie talkies” provide. If your radio system relies on a base station or vehicle-mounted radios, a licenced radio system is a must.
Ofcom provides different levels of business radio licences. RadioTrader can explain each of these in more detail depending on your needs, but some of the common types are:
Simple UK Light
This type of licence is ideal if you require a small area of coverage. You can use hand-portable or mobile radio equipment anywhere in the UK, with access to fifteen frequencies. The licence does not cover use of a base station. The cost is currently £75 for a five-year licence. Radio Trader can supply both handheld and vehicle radios on these frequencies.
Simple Site Light
This is the type of licence you need for operating a radio system with a base station and mobile stations over a small area (typically one kilometre or less). This licence is often used for radio paging systems, with a range of frequencies available for use. This type of licence is particularly useful in factory, nursing home or housing association use. The licence fee is £75 for five years.
Suppliers Light
A Business Radio Suppliers licence permits you to:
- Service and repair business radio and marine equipment
- Hire out business radio (including trunked business radio) and/or radio paging
- Equipment to customers for up to one year
- Allocate business radio (including trunked business radio) equipment to
- customers awaiting Business Radio licences, for up to three months (‘parking’)
- Demonstrate business radio (including trunked business radio) equipment to customers for up to 8 days
There are a range of frequencies to choose from shared with other users of this type of licence. The cost is £75 for five years.
Technically Assigned
Authorising the use of a wide range of business radio equipment, this type of business radio licence is very flexible, with a wide range of frequencies and coverage areas, from small (in-building) to large (county-wide).
Costs will vary, as they are calculated on various factors such as coverage area and the popularity of the frequency band. Ofcom indicates current costs from around £75 up to £1,480 for a single-channel assignment.
Area Defined
If you want exclusive use of a frequency across any area, be it a 50km2 grid, a county or the whole of the UK, you’ll need an Area Defined licence from Ofcom. Again, 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.
You’ll also need to check with Ofcom first, as availability of UK-wide channels can be limited, but ask RadioTrader if you’re unsure as this is something we are always happy to advise you about.
Licence applications
All applications of two way radio licences for business are made via Ofcom. Your application can be made online from their website in most cases (unless you operate more than one base station, have more than one antenna or control points, in which case your application must be paper-based) or you can download a blank application form and post it back to Ofcom’s licencing department.
If all this sounds rather complex, don't panic! RadioTrader is happy to help customers with their free licence advice and application service. We'll cut through the jargon and explain everything, helping your licence application to Ofcom go smoothly.
Get in touch for expert help - Call 0151 676 2888
Recommended Products:
The Motorola DP4400, recommended for use with Technically Assigned Radio Licences.
The Motorola DM4400, ideal for use with Area Defined Radio Licences.
An ideal licence free radio - the Hytera BD305LF Licence Free PMR446
