Fixed receive licence

A fixed receive licence is for one or more fixed stations that:

• only receives messages
• cannot transmit messages of any kind

You don’t need to license a receiver at a fixed station unless you want protection from interference.

If you want to transmit messages, you may need a fixed licence.

The Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2015 defines fixed receive licences.

When you have a fixed receive licence, you must follow the conditions of your licence.

These include:

• conditions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act)
• Licence Condition (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2015
• Licence Conditions (Fixed Receive Licence) Determination 2015
• other conditions that apply to you under ‘special conditions’

These conditions help you communicate safely and without interference.

We will include information you should be aware of under the heading 'advisory notes'.

We charge fees for apparatus licences.

In some circumstances, you can apply for a licence fee exemption or concession.

As well as needing a licence to operate devices and equipment, you will also need to comply with our technical standards. 

These include:

• some general standards – see Schedule 5 to the General Equipment Rules
• the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017
• the Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Standard – see Schedule 4 to the General Equipment Rules.

Read more about our technical standards including our general radiocommunications standards, the EMC standard and the EME standard.

If your device or equipment does not meet the rules in our technical standards, you will need a permit to supply, use or have it. This is separate from a licence. Find out about permits and fees under the General Equipment Rules.

To apply for a fixed receive licence you should contact an accredited person.

They can:

• assign you a frequency
• give you a frequency assignment certificate
• apply for your licence for you

Transfer a fixed receive licence

You can apply to:

• transfer your fixed receive licence to someone else
• let someone else use a device under your licence

See technical details for fixed receive licences.