General user licences

Some uses of the radio spectrum are exempt from individual licensing and licence fees.

About general user licences

Certain frequencies have been set aside for anyone to use, under what’s called a general user licence. These let people use particular types of radio transmitters without needing a licence of their own.

General user licences are free of charge, and typically apply to radio services like:

  • cordless telephones
  • garage door openers
  • remote car door locking
  • radio-controlled toys
  • maritime VHF radio
  • citizens band (CB) radio.

These types of equipment can be used by anyone in New Zealand if it:

  • meets the technical standards of the licence
  • operates only on the allocated frequencies, and
  • meets any other requirements specified in the licence.

See Frequencies anyone can use for more information about general user licences.