Frequency distribution

The minister of Traffic, Transportation and Environmental Planning formulates a frequency policy with due observance of developments in the telecommunications market and in accordance with the power granted to her in the  National Ordinance on the telecommunications provisions (P.B. 2011, no. 37). Based on this she will determine the manner in which the distribution of frequency range across the various frequency designations and user categories has been arranged for efficient frequency control.

Frequency designations

Frequency designations are various types of radio services. The following distinction applies here:

Telecommunications services:

• These are earthly- or satellite services intended for fixed and mobile use, for example land mobile services, maritime mobile services, broadcast services and amateur services.

Non-telecommunications services:

• These are radio services for positioning and navigation, applications in the field of astronomy, meteorology, science and astronautics.

User categories

The user categories distinguished for the designations are:

• Business use of frequencies for own corporate objectives or service provision to third parties
• Frequency use for vital government tasks, which include defense, aviation safety, maritime safety and public order and safety
• Frequency use by radio and television broadcasters
• Other frequency use by sources which are not to be identified in advance, for example equipment free from authorization such as remote controls and wireless telephones

Frequency allocation

In order to distribute the frequency range to the various user categories, various distribution tools are applied, leading to the actual frequency allocation in which each user category requires a different methodology:

• For business use: a distribution based on a comparative test (supported by financial instruments by way of a payable fee) or in the consecutive order in which the applications are received
• For vital government tasks: a distribution based on a preferential right
• For radio- and television broadcasters: a distribution based on a comparative test (supported by financial instruments by way of a payable fee) or in the consecutive order in which the applications are received
• For other use: the consecutive order in which the applications are received

The frequency policy forms the basis for frequency control and provides the frequency users with insight in how this is addressed in their interest.

BT&P is charged with the formulation and execution of the frequency policy by order and on behalf of the minister of Traffic, Transportation and Environmental Planning.