ANFR-Applying for an authorisation

As with all uses of electronic communications, the use of frequencies by PMR networks is subject to authorisation by decision of the ARCEP.

In most cases, this is an authorisation assigned to users individually following their application.
In certain parts of the bands, the use of frequencies is subject to a general authorisation scheme and does not require individual authorisation.

Authorisation to use frequencies assigned to users individually following their application

Such authorisations are usually assigned for five years.

Frequency applications must be made using form EN-17-53 and additional form EN-17-06 for the declaration of static stations.

Applications must be sent by e-mail to pmr@anfr.fr

Holders of an authorisation to use frequencies assigned individually by decision of the ARCEP are subject to the payment of an annual fee for the availability of the frequencies and an annual management fee, the amounts of which are determined in accordance with the provisions of decree no. 2007-1532 of 24 October 2007 , as amended, and its implementing order of 24 October 2007, as amended.

See the a practical example of how to calculate fees page.

Under this individual authorisation scheme, the ARCEP implements three separate schemes adapted to the different needs of PMR networks.

An allotment authorisation is assigned for the use of a specific frequency or block of frequencies in a specified geographical area with protection from adverse interference.

It also indicates the maximum radio field level at the boundaries of the allotment area.

Holders are therefore authorised to use the frequency or frequencies assigned to them in that area as they see fit, within the limits set by their authorisations. There is therefore no need to apply for an authorisation change if the installation technical engineering is to be modified, as long as it remains within the limits defined by the authorisation.

Furthermore, as a complement to the application for an authorisation to use allotted frequencies, holders must fill in and submit a "declaration of a static radioelectric installation and associated frequency assignments" form before setting up any bases or relays. The data provided on the form is required by the ANFR as part of its missions covering the coordination of radio station sites and frequency assignments, as well as its missions to update national notarial databases pursuant to the provisions of articles art. R. 20-44-11 (4° and 5°) of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code.

An authorisation by assignment is given for the use of a frequency at a given location and under the technical conditions precisely identified in the authorisation, with protection from adverse interference.

Such authorisations indicate the exact location of the static radio stations used (the area of use for mobile stations) as well as the installation technical characteristics. Before such authorisations can be assigned, frequencies must be coordinated on a site-by-site basis.

Thus, holders are authorised to use the frequencies assigned to them under the technical conditions indicated by their authorisation. If users want to change the location of the stations or the technical conditions attached to their authorisation, they must apply for an amendment to that effect.

Furthermore, along with the "Application for authorisation to use assigned frequencies" form, the applicant must fill in and submit a "Declaration of a static radio installation and associated frequency assignments" form for each envisaged base or relay.

The information provided on this form is required:
- for ARCEP as part of its mission to process applications, which involves coordinating frequencies on a site-by-site basis before any authorisations are given;
- - for the ANFR as part of its missions covering the coordination of radio station sites and frequency assignments, as well as its missions to update national notarial databases pursuant to the provisions of art. R. 20-44-11 (4° and 5°) of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code.

Such authorisations are given to users on an individual but non-exclusive basis, for the use of frequencies without guaranteed protection from other users.

This authorisation scheme allows holders to use the frequencies assigned to them under the technical conditions identified in the authorisation, within a given geographical area without indicating the location of the radio stations. Moreover, on channels open to this type of authorisation and depending on the type of use, holders may be required to limit the use of each frequency assigned to them to a single site, at a given time, within the geographical area.

This type of authorisation meets the frequency requirements of mobile users, such as site workers, surveyors and sports clubs.

As part of the its missions defined byart. R. 20-44-11 (4°) of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code, the ANFR draws up and updates all documents relating to the use of frequencies, in particular the national frequency file which summarises frequency assignments. The Agency also notifies national assignments to the International Frequency Register of the International Telecommunication Union, for which it is the sole contact in this field.

Moreover, art. R. 20-44-11 (5°) of the same code assigns the ANFR responsibility for coordinating the locations of all types of radio stations on national territory to guarantee the best use of the available sites.

You can refer to our Sites section

Use of frequencies subject to a general authorisation scheme

In certain parts of bands and for certain identified radio installations, the use of frequencies is subject to a general authorisation scheme which is the subject of an ARCEP decision.

The decision lays down the conditions to which the use of frequencies by the radio installations in question is subject, especially to avoid any adverse interference to the systems using frequencies specifically assigned to their user.

The use of frequencies by the radio installations in question is subject neither to individual authorisation nor to the payment of a fee. These radio installations have no protection from adverse interference.

For example, the use of frequencies in the 446-446.2 MHz band by PMR 446 equipment is not subject to individual authorisation, subject to compliance with technical conditions specified by the ARCEP decision.

The use conditions for frequencies in the 446-446.1 MHz band are set out in ARCEP Decisions 2001-1147 and 2001-1148 of 7 December 2001.
The use conditions for frequencies in the 446.1-446.2 MHz band are set out in ARCEP Decisions 2010-0925 and 2010-0926 of 2 September 2010.

Other frequencies can be used under a general authorisation to deploy PMR-type applications, without being reserved for this type of use.
Examples include:

frequencies in the so-called Wi-Fi bands (2400-2483.5 MHz, 5150-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz), which can be used by broadband data transmission systems, subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in ARCEP Decisions No. 2005-1080 of 13 December 2005 and No. 2012-1669 of 18 December 2012;
frequencies in the 869.4-869.65 MHz band, which can be used by non-specific short-range equipment, subject to compliance with the conditions set out in ARCEP Decision 2012-0612 of 15 May 2012.

Those decisions are available on the ARCEP website.