Licences for using a radio frequency

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Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO
Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO

Do you want to transmit radio programmes in the Netherlands as a broadcaster or as a short-term broadcaster (evenementenzender)? You need a licence in order to use a particular air frequency.

Do you want to start a commercial broadcasting station? You first need a permit from the Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media, CvdM) . Then you can apply for a licence from the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure. The Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure is responsible for distributing the frequency spectrum. The frequencies for commercial broadcasters are sold by auction.

You need to specify if you are a national or non-national broadcaster. If you want to start a non-national broadcasting service, you need to dedicate part of your broadcasting time to regional programming (in Dutch).

Experimenting licence

If your business is based in the Netherlands and you need air frequency spectrum for the purpose of an experiment, you can request an experimenting licence from the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure. One of the conditions is that you should not cause interference for other frequency users. Another condition is that you do not use the licence for commercial purposes (not for profit).

Short-term broadcasting

If you are staging an event and want to broadcast a radio programme for it (evenementenzender), you must obtain permission (in Dutch) from the Dutch Media Authority (CvdM). You request a frequency (in Dutch) on which to broadcast from the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure. Programmes which qualify for this have a short running time and a limited reach.

Event telecommunications licence

If you intend to use radiotelephones, walkie-talkies, intercom, video, or audio links over short or long distances during the event, you must apply for an event licence from the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure.

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