In the United Kingdom all professional uses of two way radio require a license ( and indeed many personal uses such as CB radio and Amateur radio ). Unlicensed use is subject to strict and heavy penalties under the various Wireless Telegraphy Acts.
All Radio Licensing is handled by the Radio Communications Agency on behalf of the Department of Trade & Industry, although for many specialist uses they sub contract this work to third parties.
Normal PMR ( Private Mobile Radio ) licenses are issued annually on a sliding scale of fees starting at £140 for a license covering upto 10 radios. Licenses may be issued for simplex or semi duplex use on a fixed side, wide area basis or for UK General use. In all cases restrictions will be placed upon the frequencies used, power levels and antenna heights in order to accommodate as many users as possible within the restricted radio spectrum available.
Most licensing is now handled by local area offices, in order to issue licenses as quickly as possible. Pending issue of a license, a radio user may operate under his Dealer's / Installer's Parking and Demonstration license subject to certain conditions being observed.
In many cases however a user may only require radios for short periods of time ( upto 1 year ) and in such cases he may rent or hire equipment from a Radio Dealer who issues him with a Short Term Hire License. ( The main license in this case being held by the issuing Dealer ).
The new type of Short Range Business radio which operates under restricted power levels and reduced channels compared to normal PMR equipment has a new license which costs £30 for 3 years for an unlimited quantity of radios although users should be aware of the limitations of this equipment as the range is often substantially reduced compared to that of PMR equipment. Additionally a user of this equipment has no control over other radio users who may operate next door to him on the same channel causing substantial interference !
22 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9SA
Tel +44 (0) 171 211 0211
Fax +44 (0) 171 211 0118
Website http://www.open.gov.uk/radiocom
For the Broadcast / Theatre / Special Events market which may have particular requirements in terms of channel exclusivity, and the need for continuous carrier systems which cannot be licensed under normal PMR regulations license applications are handled by :-
72, Upper Ground
London
SE1 9LT
Tel +44 (0) 171 261 3797
fax +44 (0) 171 737 8499
email jfmg@compuserve.com
JFMG can issue licenses ( subject to payment of fees ) 24 hours a day, for periods ranging from 48 hours to 1 year, and for frequencies in most bands upto and including microwave.