Do You Need a Licence for a Two Way Radio? UK Ofcom Guide
For conventional business radio, the first decision is whether the exact equipment and use meet PMR446 licence-exempt conditions or need an Ofcom Business Radio licence. Analogue and digital describe operating modes; neither word decides the licence requirement.
Choose the right route
- Compliant PMR446 handsets for direct local use
- No individual Ofcom licence is required when the equipment and use meet the exemption conditions. The PMR446 equipment guide covers the band, power, antenna and system limits.
- A licensed VHF/UHF business-radio system
- An Ofcom Business Radio licence is required. Its frequencies and conditions must match the system. See the licence-class comparison for Light and technically coordinated routes.
- Push-to-talk over mobile data
- This is a different system choice. Use the PoC service guide to separate the device, data connection and platform arrangement.
Buying a radio and authorising a channel are separate decisions
The HP605 and HP685 have separate VHF and UHF hardware versions. Choose the hardware for the licensed frequencies; channel programming must then match the intended system. Their GPS hardware choice is separate from both band and licensing.
A licence option on a quotation does not itself authorise transmission. Keep the licence and permitted configuration with the fleet records before the radios enter use.
Sources: Ofcom Business Radio licensing and licence-exempt equipment guidance. The Hytera selection guide compares the handset choices.