Satellite licences

Who does this licence apply to?

• Persons or other legal entities that own and operate earth based radio transmitting equipment for communications through earth orbiting satellites.

What are satellite services?

Radio services to the wider population are increasingly being provided via satellite. The economic value of digital television, weather information, navigation and other services to New Zealand is immense and increasing steadily over time. Both geo-stationary and orbiting satellites can provide services.

Satellite access may be for fixed purposes over long distances as an alternative to a terrestrial network, or for maritime and land mobile services. Co-ordination and licensing of satellite access is required to be conducted internationally through appropriate agencies.

Very Small Aperture Terminal satellite services (VSAT) are increasing in number. They require co-ordination and protection with terrestrial services.

How are satellite services licensed?

The majority of Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), Satellite News Gathering services (SNG) and Very Small Aperture Terminal satellite services (VSAT) are covered by a General User Radio Licence for Satellite Services (GURL). This means no individual licence is required as long as the transmission adheres to the terms and conditions set on the GURL.

All transmissions in the satellite services and outside the scope of the GURL must be individually licensed.

For further information on policy regarding satellite service refer to the relevant policy documents:

• Licensing of Fixed Satellite Services [750 kB PDF]
• Satellite Service Licences

Applying for a satellite licence

Application for a satellite licence can be made online or by sending us a completed Radio 2S application form.  For applicable fees refer to the fees schedule.

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view and print the PDF documents.