Licences - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint Ofcom deals with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Quick links

Pay for your licence online

Help with your broadcast licence

Help with your spectrum licence

Licensing portal: apply for a new or manage an existing licence online

In this section

Spectrum licences

Everything you need to know about the licensing process for amateur radio, business radio, aeronautical radio, ships radio and more.

Radio broadcast licences

Everything you need to know about the licensing process for analogue, digital and community radio stations.

TV broadcast licences

Everything you need to know about the licensing process for digital TV, satellite TV and restricted services.

someone using a high frequency radio amateur transceiver

Rules on using radio equipment

Unsure why you need a licence? Find out what rules apply

You can also look up the contact details of licensees for some kinds of licences:

Look up radio station details
Look up TV broadcast licensees
View mobile and wireless broadband licensees (above and below 5 GHz)

We also publish regular updates on our licensing work: