What type of radio licence from OFCOM do I need?

Do two way radios require a license? 

There are many variations of OFCOM business radio licences and it can be confusing to know which one to choose, it all depends on your usage and location.

OFCOM Radio Licence Options
  • Simple UK Light – This licence authorises the use of hand-portable or mobile radio equipment anywhere within the UK. Base station use is not permitted. Licensees have access to fifteen frequencies spread across four Business Radio frequency bands and must self-coordinate with other Simple UK Light licensees. The licence fee is £75 for five years.
  • Simple Site Light – This licence authorises the use of a radio system operating a base station and mobile stations within a small area (typically 1 kilometre or less). Radio frequencies available under this licence class are typically used for radio paging systems. Licensees have access to a range of frequencies and must self-coordinate with other Simple Site Light licensees. The licence fee is £75 for five years.
  • Technically Assigned – This is a flexible licence that authorises the use of a wide variety of business radio equipment. Licensees can choose from a wide range of frequencies across all Business Radio bands and a wide range of coverage areas, from very small (e.g. in-building coverage) to very large (e.g. a county). Licence fees are calculated on the basis of several factors including the size of the coverage area and the popularity of the frequency band and typically range from £75 to £1480 for a single channel assignment.
  • Area Defined – Area Defined licences give radio users exclusive use of a frequency across either a 50km2 grid square, a country, or the whole of the UK. Licence fees are calculated using a combination of frequency width, frequency range and region covered.As an example, a duplex 12.5kHz frequency between 450 and 470MHz to be used across the UK would cost £9,900. A duplex 12.5kHz frequency between 68 and 80MHz to be used across the UK would cost £3,300. Availability of UK-wide channels is extremely limited above 165MHz, so if wish to purchase an Area Defined licence you should check spectrum availability with us first.
How is my two way radio licence fee calculated?

All Business Radio Light Licence products, including Simple UK, Simple Site and Suppliers Light licences, cost £75 for a five-year term.

The licence fees for Business Radio Technically Assigned and Area Defined products are calculated by taking into account the technical details that you specify when making an application.

A more detailed overview of the fee calculation process can be found here 

How long will it take to be issued a new OFCOM two way radio licence?

If you apply for a Business Radio Light Licence via the Online Licensing System, you can apply, pay for and issue a licence immediately. Business Radio Technically Assigned and Area Defined licences are issued within 42 days* from the date that the completed application is received.

Ofcom is committed to reducing the time it takes to issue new licences. Applying online eliminates postage times and speeds up the application process.

*Times stated exclude the period that an application is on hold for while we wait for payment, or if the licence requires national/international coordination.

 

If you require further assistance regarding any of the OFCOM Radio Licences please call 0800 043 2688, chat live here or email sales@dcrs.co.uk.

Text Source – Ofcom 

DCRS can contact OFCOM directly & become your agent for any future modifications to your radio licenses. We can manage all aspects of your OFCOM Radio Licenses / Frequencies: structures, annual renewals, document management & amendments, and database management in accordance with statutory regulations if requested. This would be at no additional cost other than if you required DCRS to pay your OFCOM license renewals which we would then pass on to you.

Ofcom website is – https://secure.ofcom.org.uk/busrad/

Need help choosing the perfect radio for you?

Call our team Free on:

0800 043 2688

for Hire and Purchase options.

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