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Types of licences
All persons causing radio waves to be transmitted are required to have a licence to transmit, or a specific legislative exemption from licensing.
Some transmissions are covered by General User Licences (GUL) notified through the New Zealand Gazette. Users of services covered by GUL do not need to apply for an individual licence.
Radio licences
The majority of mobile and fixed radiocommunications services are currently licensed as Radio Licences.
Spectrum licences
The remainder of radiocommunications and broadcasting services are licensed under a tradeable spectrum rights framework in accordance with Part II of the Radiocommunications Act.
General User Licences (GUL)
General User Licences provide for certain classes of radio transmitter to be used without the need for the owner to obtain an individual 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 in New Zealand.
Licence exemptions
For radio transmitters not covered by a General User Licence an application can be made for an exemption from licensing under regulation 10 of Radiocommunications Regulations 2001. Exemptions will only be considered if, in the opinion of the Chief Executive, a radio licence is not required for the efficient and effective management of the radio spectrum.
Each application will be dealt with on its merits and in accordance with the Act and Regulations.
Contact us to find out more about eligibility for a licence exemption.
What type of licence do I need
Licence application needs to specify the category and type of licence accurately in order to ensure the licence is granted for the correct service.
Aeronautical/Aircraft licences
Aircraft that operate exclusively within the territorial limits of New Zealand operate under the General User Radio Licence for Aeronautical Purposes. Aircraft that operate outside New Zealand must be individually licensed.
Amateur licences
Radio Amateurs can operate in New Zealand under the General User Radio Licence for Amateur Radio Operators. Amateur Repeaters, Beacons and Fixed Links Transmitters must be individually licensed.
Broadcasting
There are 3 types of broadcasting activities: commercial broadcasting, non-commercial broadcasting and Low Power FM broadcasting.
Citizen Band / PRS
Users of Citizen Band (CB) radios can operate under a General User Radio Licence. Repeaters must be licensed.
Fixed licences
Fixed services are radio transmissions from a fixed point to another fixed point, and a licence in the fixed services is granted for the specific location of transmission.
General User Licences
A general user licence (GUL) provides for certain classes of radio transmitters to be used without the need for the owner to obtain a licence in their own name.
Land mobile licences
Land Mobile services use higher power and are used in a two frequency mode where wide coverage is obtained by transmitting through a hilltop repeater.
Maritime / Ship licences
Maritime users of VHF and SSB radios can operate with either an individual ship licence or under a General User Licence depending on the use of the vessel. Coast stations are individually licenced. All users of marine radio equipment are required to hold an appropriate radio operator’s certificate, available from an Approved Examiner.
Meteorological aids licences
Meteorological Aids are used for meteorological, including hydrological, observations and exploration.
Radiodetermination licences
Licences issued under this category cover radio transmitting equipment used for the determination of position, velocity and/or other characteristics of an object, or the obtaining of information relating to these parameters, by means of the propagation properties of radio waves.
Satellite licences
Radio services are increasingly being provided via satellite.. Both geo-stationary and orbiting satellites can provide services.
Telemetry / Telecommand
Telemetry or Telecommand services can operate under the Short Range Devices General User Radio Licence. Users who require longer distance data communication need to apply for a licence.
