Regulatory provisions

Regulatory provisions

At the international level, an assignment of frequency bands to radio services

Most of the frequencies used by PMR networks are in bands assigned to the mobile service by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.

In very specific cases, PMR networks can use bands not assigned to the mobile service by means of a service waiver.

At the European level, provisions intended to harmonise frequency use technical conditions

Some frequency bands are the subject of technical harmonisation at the European level which is especially intended to contribute to the efficient use of spectrum resources, allowing the interoperability of networks between countries, encouraging economies of scale, and promoting the development of technologies by offering a broader industrial base beyond national borders.

The frequency bands covered by European regulations for use by PMR networks are as follows:

  • the 29.7-54 MHz band, known as the 50 MHz band;
  • the 54-68 MHz band, known as the 60 MHz band;
  • the 68-74.8 MHz and 75.2-87.5 MHz bands, known as the 80 MHz band;
  • the 146-174 MHz band, known as the 160 MHz band;
  • the 174-230 MHz band, known as the 200 MHz band;
  • the 380-399.9 MHz, 406.1-430 MHz and 440-470 MHz bands, known as the 400 MHz band;
  • the 862-876 MHz and 915-925 MHz bands, known as the 900 MHz band;
  • the 876-880 MHz and 921-925 MHz bands, known as the GSM-R band.

These frequency bands (except for the GSM-R band) are the subject of harmonised technical conditions in terms of frequency plans as set out in Recommendation T/R 25-08 of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT).

Moreover, the 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 400 MHz, 900 MHz and GSM-R bands are the subject of specific regulatory provisions designed to promote the provision of frequencies required for the implementation of PMR networks (including PPDR) at the European level.

The European regulatory framework provisions resulting from CEPT decisions and recommendations are not binding on European States. The level of implementation is left to the discretion of the signatory administrations as part of a voluntary approach.

The decisions and recommendations are available on the CEPT website.

As part of the missions assigned to it by article art. R. 20-44-11 (1°) of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code, the ANFR prepares the French position and coordinates the action of the French representation in international and European negotiations concerning radio frequencies.

In addition, Article R. 20-44-11 (8°) of the same code assigns the ANFR responsibility for coordinating frequencies at borders. In this capacity, the Agency prepares the French positions, conducts negotiations with foreign administrations and signs border frequency coordination agreements.
These agreements are available in the coordination section.

At the national level, frequency bands are shared between different radio services and between different assigning authorities

At the national level, frequency bands are distributed between categories of radio services and between administrations and assigning authorities. This distribution is set out in the national frequency band assignment table.

The PMR frequency bands are segmented between the following assigning authorities:

  • the ARCEP,
  • the Ministry of Defence,
  • the Ministry of the Interior,
  • the port and sea navigation administration.

For each frequency band assigned to it, the ARCEP defines the technical conditions for its use and the authorisation procedures.

As part of the missions assigned to it by article R. 20-44-11 (3°) of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code, the ANFR draws up and updates the national frequency band assignment table (TNRBF). This table and all changes to it are submitted to the Prime Minister for approval and are the subject of an Order.
You can consult our TNRBF section.