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Allocation of a frequency for broadcasting transmitters received from the Federal Network Agency

As a broadcasting network operator, you apply to the Federal Network Agency for the allocation of frequencies.

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Procedure details

Responsibilities for broadcasting in Germany are divided between the Federal Republic and the Federal States. The Federal Network Agency is responsible for the technical side and is responsible, among other things, for allocating frequencies over which broadcasting is transmitted within the jurisdiction of the federal states. This includes analog and digital frequencies for radio and television.

A frequency assignment is permission under the regulations of telecommunications law to use certain frequencies under specified provisions. The provisions may relate, for example, to transmission power, antenna height or other technical aspects to prevent mutual interference. A frequency plan issued by the Federal Network Agency specifies which frequency ranges are earmarked for which uses.

  • The relevant state authority has submitted the broadcasting regulations to the Federal Network Agency.
  • You provide evidence that you have the necessary
    • reliability,
    • capability and
    • expertise.
  • The legal requirements for use under telecommunications law are met (e.g., designation in the frequency plan, compatibility with other frequency uses).
  • The intended use is compatible with the regulatory objectives of the Telecommunications Act.
  • Only for standard broadcasting: coverage requirements of a country.

  • Required Documents

    On request additionally:

    • Evidence for the declaration of reliability, capability and expertise

For broadcasting not within the jurisdiction of the Länder, which includes uses that do not exceed a certain plot of land, for example drive-in cinemas and event broadcasting, the following applies:

  • No coverage requirement is often necessary, only coordination between the Federal Network Agency and the state authority.
  • In these cases, you notify the Federal Network Agency of the area to be served.

You can submit the application online or by e-mail:

Online:

  • Log in to the Federal Network Agency's customer portal and complete the application.
  • Upload any necessary attachments and submit the application.
  • The Federal Network Agency will review your application and decide on the frequency allocation.
  • You will receive notification of the outcome of your application.

By e-mail

  • Fill out the downloadable form "Antrag auf Zuteilung einer UKW-Frequenz" (Application for allocation of a VHF frequency) on the Federal Network Agency's website and send the application with any necessary attachments to the Federal Network Agency by e-mail.
  • The Federal Network Agency will review your application and decide on the frequency allocation.
  • You will receive notification of the outcome of your application.

Detailed explanations of the procedure can be found in the "Administrative Regulations for Frequency Allocations for the Broadcasting Service".

For broadcasting, in the area of responsibility of the federal states, the basis for a frequency allocation is a coverage requirement of the federal states. In the vast majority of cases, the sole content provider chooses a station operator, who then submits an application for frequency allocation for a specific coverage need.

For regular broadcasting, the procedure looks like this, depending on the state:

  • The responsible state authorities notify the Federal Network Agency that broadcasting reception is to be offered in a specific area (so-called coverage need).
  • The state authorities can assign the content-related use of an analog or digital frequency to a content provider for exclusive use.
    • In this case, the content provider concludes a contract with you and notifies the Federal Network Agency of you as the transmitter network operator. You then apply to the Federal Network Agency for assignment of the frequency.

If you have been selected as a network operator by the content providers or the Federal Network Agency in an allocation procedure, the following applies:

You can submit the application online or by e-mail:

Online:

  • Log in to the Federal Network Agency's customer portal and complete the application.
  • Upload any necessary attachments and submit the application.
  • The Federal Network Agency will review your application and decide on the frequency allocation.
  • You will receive notification of the outcome of your application.

By e-mail

  • Fill out the downloadable form "Antrag auf Zuteilung einer UKW-Frequenz" (Application for allocation of a VHF frequency) on the Federal Network Agency's website and send the application with any necessary attachments to the Federal Network Agency by e-mail.
  • The Federal Network Agency will review your application and decide on the frequency allocation.
  • You will receive notification of the outcome of your application.
  • Detailed explanations of the procedure can be found in the "Administrative Regulations for Frequency Allocations for the Broadcasting Service".

  • The fees for frequency allocation depend, among other things, on the frequency band, the transmission technology, the period applied for and the coverage area/population served. Cost range: between EUR 1.00 for very small coverage, for example a rural sports field for a few days, and several million euros for nationwide coverage for 10 years.
  • As the holder of the frequency assignment, you must make annual contributions to protect interference-free frequency use. Cost range: between EUR 1.00 and EUR 5.00 per allocated frequency and 10 square kilometers of coverage area.

There are no deadlines.

  • For uses such as drive-in theaters, you must expect a processing time of 6 weeks.
  • Rule allocations for broadcasting can take several months to years, if necessary - due to international deadlines and agreements.

As a private broadcaster, in addition to the frequency allocation under telecommunications law, you need a media license under the relevant state law. The state media authority of the federal state in which you wish to broadcast a program is responsible for the licensing procedure.

  • Objection
  • administrative court action
    • Detailed information on the available legal remedies can be found in the notification of your application for frequency assignment or in the Official Gazette of the Federal Network Agency.

Status: 12.03.2024
Editorial responsibility Bundesministerium für Verkehr