The NMHH considers the sound management of radio spectrum assets and the utilisation of frequency bands to be one of its most important objectives and tasks.
Utilisation will only achieve its purpose if the use of the radio spectrum is compatible with social, economic and market expectations while also being appropriate from both a legal and a technical point of view.
A regulatory framework must be developed to ensure that use is free from harmful interference, and to enable the use of state-of-the-art technologies in many areas, respecting the principle of technological neutrality.
Tasks, activities
The NMHH’s radio spectrum management tasks cover both civilian and non-civilian frequency use.
Exercise of state ownership rights over the radio spectrum
In this capacity, the NMHH may lay down rules, carry out tendering and individual licensing procedures, make decisions on the renewal and extension of authorisations, determine radio spectrum fees and approve secondary trading agreements.
International activities
Representation in international organisations (e.g. ITU, CEPT, EU) to harmonise radio spectrum use, and to coordinate the cross-border use of the radio spectrum with the countries concerned (in particular neighbouring countries).
Technical harmonisation
The NMHH shall ensure that the regulation on the use of the radio spectrum in Hungary is in line with international rules, with particular regard to decisions serving EU harmonisation.
National frequency allocation and usage rules for frequency bands
As the owner, the state determines which radio frequencies may be used for what purposes (for example, for mobile telephony, radio broadcasting or emergency communications). NMHH Decree No. 7/2015 (XI. 13.) on the national frequency allocation and the rules for the use of frequency bands (NFFF) ensures that the various services do not interfere with each other.
Individual licence
In the cases specified in the NFFF, radio equipment, radio stations, radio communication networks and radio systems may be installed on the basis of a frequency allocation, and may be kept in operation under a radio licence. In certain cases, a radio licence can only be applied for on the basis of a radio frequency use entitlement obtained through a competitive procedure (auction or tender). Broadcasting transmitter stations and networks may be authorised under a public contract.
Keeping records
Records of data relating to radio spectrum management, and of individual licences.
Monitoring service activities
The activities of the monitoring service are as follows: radio monitoring, radio control and detection, radio interference testing, field strength and coverage measurements, EMC testing. These include equipment and service measurements to protect electronic communications, ensure efficient spectrum use free from harmful interference, guarantee electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and support the effectiveness of regulatory supervision.
Radio Spectrum Strategy (2021–2025)
The main objective of the NMHH’s radio spectrum strategy for the 2021–2025 period is to ensure the availability of a limited pool of frequencies for the development of the infocommunications ecosystem. The Authority wishes to ensure that the radio spectrum is not a bottleneck on the path to digital development in the short or medium term.
The “NFFF” Decree
In line with its international legal obligations, the NMHH establishes the national frequency allocation by decree and, within this framework, the rules for the use of certain civilian, non-civilian and joint-purpose frequency bands. Within the framework of these rules, it shall provide for the definition of spectrum management requirements for radio systems and radio equipment. It shall also specify the conditions for the use of frequency bands, in particular radio interface requirements, for the authorisation of spectrum use. When necessary, but at least once every three years, it will make sure that these rules are reviewed.
The “STIR” System
The Spectrum Management Information System (STIR) is an online, publicly available IT tool, which aims to display in an electronic format and provide user-friendly access to the Decree on the national frequency allocation and the rules for the use of frequency bands (NFFF). It enables spectrum tests, graphical queries, rule and document searches, as well as support for internal NMHH workflows and external stakeholder orientation.
International coordination
Due to the cross-border nature of radio spectrum use, the NMHH concludes and implements bilateral or multilateral frequency coordination agreements on spectrum use, as part of its international obligations. Of particular importance are those agreements that serve frequency coordination processes between several countries at the regional level.
Spectrum needs for defence, law enforcement, and national security purposes
Satisfying the spectrum needs for non-civilian radio communications, such as defence, law enforcement and national security, is a societal interest and also a responsibility stemming from alliance (NATO) obligations. Advances in military technology (e.g. advanced radar systems, UAVs, Network-centric warfare) continuously gives rise to new spectrum requirements. The coordination of civilian and non-civilian spectrum use is critically important, especially in the case of joint-purpose frequency bands or different radio services operating in the same bands. The NMHH ensures that the objectives are aligned, both in terms of regulation, strategy development and the management of individual needs.
Auctions, tenders, renewals
Where the NFFF provides that a frequency band may be utilised by way of a competitive procedure, the NMHH will allocate the band through an auction, tender or renewal procedure. The NMHH’s tendering procedures are fully transparent, and the Authority publishes all the relevant documents of the procedure.
Broadcasting registers, coverage maps and frequency plans
Regarding terrestrial broadcasting, the NMHH keeps a register of the technical data and radiation parameters of broadcasting stations, and publishes coverage maps of nationwide broadcasting networks. For broadcasting tenders, the NMHH will publish the corresponding frequency plans, which will provide interested parties with information regarding the technical parameters of frequency availability.
Amateur radio exams and licences
An amateur radio licence is required to carry out amateur radio activity. The licence is issued by the NMHH, following a successful amateur radio exam. The exam is organised and administered at various levels (Beginner, CEPT Novice, HAREC) which define different privileges and technical limits (output power, usable frequency bands, transmission modes). The NMHH determines the individual amateur radio call sign, and keeps a public register of call signs.