CB
CB radios operate in the 27 MHz frequency band and are used for communications between truck drivers or hunters, for the organisation of small events, for leisure purposes, etc.
The use of CB radios is free since 1 January 2010, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Either 40 channels FM 4 W;
- Or 40 channels AM-FM 4 W SSB 12 W;
- Either 22 channels AM-FM-SSB 0.5 W.
CB radios which do not meet these specifications (e.g. CB radios with 80 channels) are forbidden.
Gain antennas as well as data transmission are forbidden.
CB radios must bear the CE marking.
Transmissions happen on frequencies shared with other users and the absence of interference cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, using these radio devices for security applications is not recommended.
Microphones
Wireless microphones may be used without authorisation on certain frequencies.
| Frequencies (MHz) | Power | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 29,7 – 47,0 | 10 mW ERP | Specific frequencies cf. B10-01 |
| 202-209 | 50 mW ERP | |
| 518-526 | 50 mW ERP | |
| 534-542 | 50 mW ERP | |
| 823-826 | 20 mW EIRP (hand-held microphone) 100 mW EIRP (belt microphone) |
|
| 826-832 | 100 mW EIRP | |
| 863-865 | 10 mW EIRP | |
| 1785-1800 | 20 mW EIRP (hand-held microphone) 50 mW EIRP (belt microphone) |
ERP: effective radiated power, EIRP: effective isotropic radiated power: these powers are radiated by the antenna. A gain antenna must therefore be used by reducing the power of the transmitter.
The antenna being used must be certified by the manufacturer of the transmitter.
PMR-446
Unlike CB radios, PMR-446 radios operate in higher frequency bands, providing a better indoor coverage.
PMR-446 radios are used for communications between hunters, for the organisation of small events, for leisure purposes, etc.
The use of PMR-446 radios is free since 1 January 2010, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Either 8 analogue channels in the 446.0-446.1 MHz band with 0.5 W;
- Either 16 analogue channels in the 446.0-446.2 MHz band with 0.5 W;
- Either 8 or 16 digital channels in the 446.1-446.2 MHz band with 0.5 W;
- Either 16 or 32 digital channels in the 446.0-446.2 MHz band with 0.5 W.
PMR-446 radios with more than 0.5 W are forbidden.
PMR-446 radios must bear the CE marking. The antenna must be built in, it must be attached from the start to the device and there cannot be any cable between the antenna and the device. PMR-446 radios must also be able to operate via an internal battery.
Transmissions happen on frequencies shared with other users and the absence of interference cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, using these radio devices for security applications is not recommended.
Possession
The possession of transmitters mentioned in this section is free. For the possession of transmitters subject to licensing, a specific authorisation must be requested.
Wi-Fi
Authorised frequencies and powers are laid out in the following table
| Frequencies (MHz) | Power | Use | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2400.0-2483.5 | 100 mW EIRP | See interface B02-01 for power conditions | |
| 5150-5250 | 200 mW EIRP | Indoor usage | See interface B03-01 for power conditions |
| 5250-5350 | 200 mW EIRP | Indoor usage | See interface B03-02 for power conditions |
| 5470-5725 | 1 W EIRP | See interface B03-03 for power conditions | |
| 5725-5825 | 25 mW EIRP | See interface B01-28 for power conditions | |
| 5945-6425 | 200 mW EIRP | See interface B03-07 for power conditions | |
| 5945-6425 | 25 mW EIRP | See interface B03-08 for power conditions |
EIRP: effective isotropic radiated power: this is the power radiated by the antenna. A gain antenna must therefore be used by reducing the power of the transmitter.
Transmissions happen on frequencies shared with other users and the absence of interference cannot be guaranteed.
If signal repeaters are allowed, amplifiers are forbidden.
The antenna being used must be certified by the manufacturer of the transmitter.
Short-range devices
These devices include car keys, garage door openers, weather stations, etc.
When buying these devices, make sure they bear the CE marking.
DECT
These cordless telephones are used by residential users as an alternative or in addition to a fixed telephone.
These devices operate in the 1880-1900 MHz frequency band.
Telephones operating in other frequency bands are available on the Internet.
However, these are forbidden in Belgium for that purpose.