Document Actions
Licensing - broadcasting FAQ
I want to apply for a low value broadcasting licence
You should make an application online or by sending RSM a completed Radio 100 form.
I want to start a low power FM radio station
General User Licences (formerly known as General Licences) provide for certain classes of radio transmitter to be used without the need for the owner to obtain a licence in their own name.
Provided the equipment meets the applicable technical standards, operates only on the allocated frequencies and meets any other requirements specified in the licence, the equipment may be freely used by anyone.
Refer to the General User Radio Licence for Low Power FM Broadcasting Short Range Devices notice at GURL PFMBC 2 PDF.
Additional information and explanation of the regulations can be found at licensing.
I want to apply for a non-commercial broadcasting licence
Before a Non-Commercial Community or Access Radio Broadcasting licence can be issued, approval is required from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH), who are the ministry responsible for advising Cabinet on many aspects of Non-Commercial broadcasting.
As a short-term measure, this Ministry may be able to find a frequency for you on a commercial basis only, however, there are no guarantees that a frequency will be available. If you wish to proceed, please fill out and submit a Radio 100 application form.
If you are successful with an application, this will attract an initial fee, which includes the annual fee. A Resource Deposit is also required, refer to policy document #003 Temporary Pending Tender, which is enclosed.
Resource deposits are required as a surety against the eventual amount payable for a temporary licence. However this amount cannot be determined until after any temporary licences have expired and a long-term licence has been tendered. On one hand the deposit should substantively minimise the risk to the Crown of default on payments of resource rentals, while being sufficiently restrained so as the licence applicant can reasonably obtain finance for such a deposit.
I want to apply for a commercial broadcasting licence
You should make an application online or by sending RSM a completed Radio 100 [188 kB PDF] form.
Note that the completion of a Radio 100 is NO GUARANTEE that you will automatically acquire the frequency for which you have applied. As it is Government policy to assign broadcasting frequencies by auction, you should assume that a new or varied licence will be subject to this process.
For further information please see the Broadcasting section.
When are the next radio frequencies coming up for auction?
Check out the Policy and Planning section of the site for information about auctions and current projects. Also sign up to the Business Update newsletter as all future auctions are advertised in advance on the RSM Business Update.
How do I know if I need licensing agency approval?
SMART automatically routes an application to the Licensing Agency when Licensing Agency approval is required.
What is the turnaround time if my application needs licensing agent approval?
RSM cannot determine the turnaround time of Licensing Agencies considerations. Any enquiries about an application that is with a Licensing Agency must be directed to the Licensing Agency concerned.
