The decree of 18 December 2009 on private radio communications and user rights for fixed networks and trunk networks which replaces the Royal Decree of 15 October 1979 and the Ministerial Order of 19 October 1979 on private radio communications was published in the Moniteur belge on 30 December 2009.
This decree came into force on 1 January 2010.
The main changes are the following:
Change in the user category
1st category mobile networks: includes the former networks of 1st, 4th and 6th category with different prices according to the coverage area requested (with a radius of more or less than one kilometre).
2nd category fixed networks: former 2nd category and point to multipoint networks.
3rd category: includes the former networks of categories 3 and 2b and some networks of the 6th category.
4th category: GSM jammers in prisons.
5th category : radio amateurs unchanged.
6th category : includes the former networks of category 1b as well as individual holder’s licences.
CB equipment (former 8th category) is exempted from authorisation.
Exemptions from licence
In addition to CBs’, other types of equipment (mainly short range devices) were exempted from licence.
We advise you to read annex 2 to the decree to obtain a detailed list of it.
Fees
- Review of the fees’ calculation
Calculation occurs according to a continuous curve and no longer in staircase. You can find a calculation file on our site.
- Late requests will be subjected to increased handling charges.
- Changes in network (other than the increase in the number of mobile or portable stations) will be subjected to handling charges.
- Fees for radio amateurs were made uniform, all radio amateurs are now paying the same fee.
- Exemptions from the payment of handling charges for radio amateurs were extended to the people of more than 65 year and to minors.
The files which change from category will be adapted in the course of 2010.
General holder’s licences (resellers)
From now on these licences will be charged.
The monthly declaration method was simplified.
Individual holder’s licences
Private individuals or companies may hold radio equipment without using them with a holder’s licence.
This licence is charged and is only valid for equipment which can be used in Belgium.
Rectifications
One erratum amending printing errors in the decree of 18 December 2009 will be published as soon as possible.
One decree amending some omissions, among which the rectifications made further to the comments of the Council of State, is being prepared as well.