Regulatory affairs in civilian radio spectrum management

Regulatory affairs in civilian radio spectrum management

As part of its individual licensing activities, the NMHH ensures that radio spectrum use is efficient and free from harmful interference. This includes the issuance of licences for the installation and operation of radio equipment, radio stations, radio communication networks and radio communication systems based on the results of the technical and legal examination of applications, and the enforcement of international coordination obligations. The aim is to provide secure, regulated radio communications on the frequencies specified for the various applications, in accordance with the prescribed requirements.

Design data reporting

Design data reporting is a public service available on request to assist in the preparation of the technical design of radio systems. Its purpose is to determine whether a planned radio device or transmitter station can be authorised at a given location and with given parameters. On the basis of the application, the NMHH will provide information on the theoretical conditions for the planned radio installation, in particular on the applicable frequencies, as well as all technical and interference protection requirements, and on whether international coordination may be necessary.

Design data reporting does not constitute a licence but it does form the basis for the subsequent radio licensing procedure. Design data reporting is required primarily for radio licensing procedures, such as the establishment of broadcasting transmitters, fixed links, and certain specialised radio services. Providing data does not constitute a licence but it does form the basis for a subsequent decision of the Authority.

Frequency allocation

Frequency allocation is a procedure involving the NMHH determining the radio frequencies and conditions under which a radio station, radio communications network or radio communications system may be installed. The purpose of frequency allocation is to ensure that the radio equipment is procured and installed in accordance with the national frequency allocation, without causing interference with other radio systems.

Frequency allocation is necessary when the planned use of radio equipment falls within the scope of a specific individual licence, requires specific frequency use, or has interference protection or coordination requirements, for example, in the case of broadcasting transmitters, fixed links or operational radio systems.

In cases specified in the legislation, no frequency allocation is required for the use of equipment that is exempted from individual licensing.

Radio licence

An essential and indispensable stage in the individual licensing of the radio spectrum is the radio licence, which in some cases is conditional on frequency assignment, successful coordination or the radio frequency use entitlement, acquired through a competitive procedure. Obtaining a radio licence enables the operation of radio equipment, radio stations, radio communication networks and radio communication systems. In the radio licence, the NMHH decides on the frequency to be used by the radio equipment or radio system, as well as any technical or other conditions of use. The purpose of the radio licence — which may be an experimental licence, a framework licence, or an amateur radio licence, among others — is to ensure that the radio stations covered by the licence can operate free from harmful interference under the conditions of the licence and may claim protection, which is ensured by the NMHH.

Aircraft radio equipment

Within the framework of aircraft radio equipment licensing, the Authority issues a radio licence for the operation of radio equipment used on board aircraft or at airports.

The entitled party may submit their application for a radio licence to the Authority electronically (via the Data Gateway, E-Paper or E-Gateway) or on paper, together with the relevant data sheets and technical documentation, in accordance with Act C of 2003 on Electronic Communications (Electronic Communications Act), NMHH Decree 7/2012 (I. 26.), and the related frequency management and radio equipment decrees.

In the procedure, the Authority examines whether the requested radio equipment complies with all legal, technical and content requirements, and is not incompatible with frequency coordination, non-interference or health regulations.

The Authority will grant a radio licence if the conditions are met, and will issue it in the form of a decision; once the radio licence has been obtained, the equipment may be operated in the manner and for the period specified in the licence.

The legal basis for the use of frequencies in the licensing of aircraft radio equipment is the radio licence itself, in view of the use of internationally harmonised frequency bands.

For spectrum use by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Authority will issue a separate information notice determining the spectrum usage rules by category, and specifying when they are exempt from individual licensing or are subject to individual radio spectrum licences. The notice sets out the exceptions and the obligations for licensing, including for uses that require a special radio licence to ensure frequency efficiency and interference-free operation.

Marine and inland waterway mobile stations

In radiocommunications, maritime and inland waterway mobile stations denote mobile stations which operate on board vessels at sea or on inland waterways for the purpose of establishing radio communications within the context of radiotelephony, radio navigation and other services.

Maritime Mobile Service refers to the communication between maritime vessels and coastal stations, including international shipping safety and traffic communications. Similarly, the inland waterway mobile service refers to radio communications between inland waterway vessels and coastal centres.

The operation of such stations requires a radio licence under Act C of 2003 on Electronic Communications (Electronic Communications Act) and the relevant NMHH decrees on frequency management and radio licensing. An application may be submitted to the Authority electronically (via the Data Gateway, E-Paper or E-Gateway) or on paper, together with the relevant data sheets and technical documentation.

The documents to be submitted must include, among other things, the vessel data sheet according to the type of mobile station, the on-board equipment data sheet and the partner data sheet, as specified in the procedural information notice.

During the proceedings, the Authority will assess the legal and technical compliance of the application, including the conditions for frequency use, the technical characteristics of the equipment, and the conditions for the interference-free operation of the radio connections. International frequency coordination may also take place where necessary, in particular with regard to maritime mobile service bands. The Authority concludes the proceedings with an official decision to issue or deny the radiocommunications licence, and sets out the conditions and limits for the operation of the mobile station.

Ground mobile service (VHF ground mobile service)

A ground mobile service is a radiocommunications service in which communications take place between mobile or portable stations, or between those and fixed ground stations.

The establishment and operation of stations for these services is subject to a radio licence, which can be applied for under Act C of 2003 on Electronic Communications and NMHH Decree 7/2012 (I. 26.). The entitled party may submit their application to the Authority electronically (via Data Gateway, E-Paper or E-Gateway) or on paper. The documentation to be submitted includes data sheets on the location, technical parameters, antenna system and radio equipment of the station, in accordance with the applicable instructions in effect.

During the proceedings, the legal and technical compliance of the submitted data is evaluated, if necessary, by means of international frequency coordination. The proceedings are concluded with an official decision setting out the detailed conditions for radio frequency use.

Fixed services

Fixed VHF service

Fixed radio stations operating in the VHF band typically represent point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections, primarily for infocommunication, control and data transmission purposes. Licensing covers the technical parameters, installation site and frequency use of the stations.

Terrestrial fixed service above 960 MHz

This service includes terrestrial microwave systems operating in the higher frequency bands, providing high-capacity, fixed connections. During the proceedings, considerations regarding interference-free operation and frequency management are of particular importance.

Satellite fixed service above 960 MHz

The ground stations of the satellite fixed services establish permanent radio connections with the satellites. Licensing includes verifying the technical compliance of the ground stations, as well as compliance with international coordination obligations.

Radar stations

Radar stations use radio waves to detect and localise objects, phenomena and movements. When granting licences, the NMHH pays particular attention to the safety of frequency use and to the protection of other services.

Simplified authorisation (systems operating in the 70 GHz band)

The licensing of fixed digital point-to-point radio systems operating in the 70 GHz band involves a simplified, electronic-only procedure via the NMHH Data Gateway. This procedure is faster and more uniform than traditional individual licensing: it is done through an online application, requires Data Gateway pre-registration, and the NMHH does not accept paper-based applications for this frequency band.

Amateur radio service

The amateur radio service is a non-commercial radiocommunication service that may be provided by licensed amateur radio operators in certain frequency bands out of personal interest, and for the purpose of self-training and information exchange. A regulatory examination and a licence are required to be an amateur radio operator.

Tasks of the NMHH with regard to the amateur radio service:

• organising and holding amateur radio licence exams at different levels (Beginner, CEPT Novice, HAREC) in accordance with the legal requirements;
• after successful completion of the exam, issuing an amateur radio licence, which can be of individual, community or special category;
• processing licence applications, issuing call signs and registering amateur stations;
• ensuring compliance with the legal, frequency and technical conditions and international agreements during the licensing process.

Temporary and experimental radio licences

A temporary radio licence serves to authorise the temporary use of frequencies for a limited period of time (up to 30 days), when events or temporary communication needs justify the operation of special radio equipment.

An experimental radio licence is a licence that allows the use of radio equipment or systems for testing and development purposes, with non-standard technical parameters and deviating from the frequency allocation plan, typically in the interest of research and innovation.

During the proceedings, the NMHH examines the form and content of the applications, checks whether the technical and legal conditions for frequency use are fulfilled, issues the licences and, for temporary licences, sets the frequency usage fee.

Terrestrial broadcasting stations

Radio licenses for terrestrial radio and television broadcasting are issued by the NMHH. The licensing procedure is conducted by the Frequency Planning and Coordination Unit upon receiving a request from the client, based on the relevant Hungarian laws. The official language of the licensing procedures is Hungarian.