Private mobile radios (licenced PMR) operate on one of 2 frequency bands. The UK licensed radio bands consist of VHF and UHF radio frequencies. Both UHF and VHF radio frequencies (exceopt those which fall into the licence free UHF PMR446 band) are are issued and managed by the UK office of communications - Ofcom. In order to use licensed equipment, and/or transmit on licensed two way radio frequencies, you will need to hold a licence that has been issued by Ofcom.

 What are the benefits of having a radio licence?

•  
  • Ability to encrypt your radio communications
  • No interference from other users
  • Far increased power; better range and penetration.

These frequencies are allocated to individuals, groups and business on an indiviudal basis. 

Types of 2 way radio licenses

For most people a standard fixed 2 way radio licence will do the job, these licenses are for the use of the radio frequencies in a specific location. For users wishing to roam with their radios (for example event security companies) we can arrange short term hire type licences and, subject to legislation and availability, roaming 2 way radio licenses that allow the radio to be used anywhere. Radio licenses can also vary depending on the number of channels required, however for most users a 1 or 2 channel license is more than sufficient.

Digital 2 way radio licenses

2 way radio licence notes can be used for both digital equipment and analogue equipment. If you have an existing licence, or order a new 2 way radio licence, then you can choose between using digital 2 way radio or analogue 2 way radio, without having to make any changes to your licence.

It is widely accepted that OFCOM will likely phase out analogue 2 way radio soon, hence why many companies are taking early advantage of the improved speech quality that digital 2 way radio offers. In adition, digital 2 way radios can operate 2 digital channels in the same channel spacing that 1 analogue channel would use. As such if you have a licence for 2 way radio then by migrating to digital 2 way radio you would get double the number of usable channels.
 

Radio licence application - online ordering & free arangement

Delcom can take care of arrranging the radio licence on your behalf and completing all the paperwork. Once submitted you will recieve your licence direct from Ofcom. Please contact us for more information.

UK 2 way radio licence fees

Typical annual fees are charged per frequency or channel, and can vary dependant on the demand in the area that the licence is registered to is as follows; (these may vary).

• • Rural Areas (low existing users) - £85 per annum
  • Lightly Populated Urban Towns/Cities (more users) - £110 per annum.
  • Highly Populated Areas - £190 per annum.

For all information on licensing, please feel free to give us a call. Alternatively, you can visit the Ofcom website at: www.ofcom.org.uk.

If you already have frequencies but are unsure of what they are then please contact us. We offer a free 2 way radio frequency reading service, so if you have lost your licence we can read the frequencies on your existing equipment and match them up.

Do I need a licence, or do Delcom need a copy of my licence?

It is illegal to operate a 2 way radio in the UK, operating in a UK licensed band, without the correct  licence. We do not encourage anyone to operate a radio illegally and there is a high probability that if you do and are caught then you will face criminal charges! That said we are not required by law to see your licence before we programme your radio onto your requested frequency. Likewise If you are using your radio equipment abroad (local legislation still applies) then even if you are using licensed equipment there is a possibility that you will not need a licence at all (we are happy to offer advice on using 2 way radios abroad). If you do not send us any licensing or frequency information, and purchase a licensed 2 way radio, then we will send the equipment on it's default frequency - this is normally the same within a particular model/range. Otherwise, simply send us an e-mail or give our office a call with the frequencies you would like programmed and we'll set them up free of charge!