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Acquisition, use and cancellation of PMR networks

The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority (NPT) is the official regulator for the postal and telecoms sector in Norway. Its responsibilities include the award of licences for radio communication and management of the radio frequency spectrum.

PMR

A private mobile radio (PMR) network provides communication services for internal use by a limited group with its own requirements. It can involve either one-to-one or one-to-many communication. A particular feature of a PMR network is its limited range and geographical restrictions.

Applications

Typical user groups include emergency services, transport and industry. A PMR network is also used for major events such as sporting events and concerts.

Licensing

A licence is required to acquire, establish and use PMR equipment

Licence applications

Applications must be submitted to the NPT. Forms can be obtained from radio dealers or the NPT itself.

Regulations for use

Only licence-holders are allowed to use PMR equipment. The licensee is responsible for ensuring that no unauthorised people have access to the network and the radio equipment. It is not uncommon for several licensees to share the same radio channel. This means that other users could overhear what is being said. Listening to, recording, reproducing or using correspondence directed to stations other than those belonging to the licensee is prohibited. Normal radio procedure is to listen before activating one’s own transmitter and starting to speak, so that other transmissions already under way are not interrupted.

Fees

The Norwegian Storting (parliament) has decided that the NPT will be self-financing. This means that fees are charged for all its services. Fees for a PMR network are linked to the licence, and must be paid as long as this remains valid. That means the fees are payable even if no radio equipment has been acquired, for instance, or if the communication network has not been activated or is inoperative. Charged by the calendar year, fees in 2005 were NOK 1 850 per base/fixed station and NOK 350 per mobile radio unit. The invoice is calculated on the basis of information submitted to the NPT.
An invoice must be paid in its entirety. Fees are changed in line with the Norwegian consumer price index.

Changes

Should a licensee want to make changes to their PMR network, they must inform the NPT in advance. Fixed radio installations: moving fixed installations (base or control stations), expanding the PMR network with more base or control stations, or making changes to the technical set-up require written permission in advance from the NPT. Mobile radio stations: the licensee must immediately submit a written report if the number of mobile stations is changed. Should the expansion involve 15 or more stations, advance permission must be sought.
Name and address changes: changes to the licensee’s name and/or address must be reported immediately in writing to the NPT. Required changes: the NPT can require changes when technical developments, alternative users of the frequency or other conditions make these necessary.

Licence termination

A licence can be terminated in two ways – it can be surrendered by the licensee or revoked by the NPT. The licensee must submit a request to surrender the licence to the NPT in writing, dated and signed by the licence-holder. A licence ceases to be valid when the NPT has received a valid cancellation request. No annual fees paid will be refunded, even if the cancellation is registered during the calendar year. To avoid having to pay fees for the following calendar year, the cancellation request must be received by the NPT before the start of a new charging period, which begins on 1 January. If the licence is cancelled after the start of a new charging period, no fees paid will be refunded and the licensee remains liable for unpaid fees in the cancellation year.