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General User Licences
What is a general user licence?
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.
The equipment may be freely used by anyone and must:
- meet the applicable technical standards as per the Radiocommunications (Radio Standards) Notice 2008
- operate only on the allocated frequencies
- meet any other requirements specified in the licence
Which transmitters can operate under a general user licence?
The following list details the transmitters for which a general user licence has been issued:
Aeronautical model control short range devices
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of remote control of aeronautical model short-range devices.
Aeronautical purposes
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of aeronautical radiocommunications.
Amateur radio operators
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves by amateur radio operators in New Zealand, for the purpose of communications in the amateur radio service.
Citizen band radio
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of the Citizen Band Radio Service (CBRS), also known as "CB Radio" or "Personal Radio Services (PRS)."
Cordless telephones
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of cordless telephones, including those known as "CT1", "CT2", "DECT", and "PHS."
Emergency transmitters
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of obtaining assistance where safety of life or property is threatened.
Itinerant differential GPS
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves, by means of itinerant radiocommunication transmitters, to provide accurate position fixing in conjunction with the radionavigation satellite service known as GPS (Global Positioning System)
Low power FM broadcasting short range devices
A general user radio licence for the transmission on the frequencies intended for local-area broadcasting.
Maritime purposes
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of maritime radiocommunications.
Satellite services
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of the Mobile Satellite Service, Satellite News Gathering Service and Very Small Aperture Satellite Services.
Short range devices
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of Short Range Devices (SRD), also known as Restricted Radiation Devices (RRD), Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD), or Spread Spectrum Devices (SSD).
Ultra Wide Band communication devices
A general user radio licence for the transmission of radio waves for the purpose of ultra wide band (UWB) communications.
Vehicular radar short range devices
A general user radio licence the transmission of radio waves, by means of vehicular radar short range device radiocommunication transmitters, for the purposes of road vehicle collision mitigation and traffic safety applications.
Fixed radio link devices
A general user radio licence for the transmission by means of radiocommunication transmitters, including those known as U-NII devices, using wide band digital modulation techniques to provide high data rate fixed point-to-point communications for individuals, businesses and institutions.
If your transmitter does not fall within one of the above categories, or you intend to use it outside of the specified terms and conditions on the General User Licence you must apply for an individual licence. For more information on individual licensing refer to the Licensing section of this website.
