VHF

Who Needs This Service

Industries, security agencies, transport and logistics operators, utilities, hospitals and events that run VHF walkie-talkie or radio networks need this licence.

Organisations using licence-exempt radios may not need it.

Companies setting up towers need siting clearance.

If your radios are in UHF, see the UHF licence.

Key Benefits

• Right module and fees identified
• Equipment and siting documents prepared
• Bharatkosh payment guidance
• Licence filing and follow-up
• Compliance with frequency conditions

Next Steps & Related Services

After the licence, operate within the assigned frequency. Related services: UHF licence, ETA, DPL and NDPL.

Common Mistakes

• Using unlicensed frequencies.
• Not type-approving equipment.
• Skipping siting clearance.
• Missing fee payment.
• Ignoring renewal.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Timelines depend on WPC.

Practical tip: prepare area and equipment details early.

Additional Information

WPC assigns frequencies to avoid interference and manage spectrum.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A factory sets up a VHF network.

Scenario 2:

A transport firm applies.

Scenario 3:

A hospital applies.

Process & Planning

To plan a VHF radio network, first define who will communicate, over what area and with how many radios. Check whether licence-exempt options such as the citizen band can meet the need. If not, choose the Fixed or Land Mobile HF/VHF/UHF below 806 MHz module on Saral Sanchar, prepare entity documents, equipment details with ETA, area of operation and siting clearance for towers if required, pay licence and royalty fees through Bharatkosh and file. Also arrange possession authorisation for the radio sets. Planning checklist: size the network realistically, buy type-approved radios, keep fee receipts and plan renewals.

Practical Guidance

VHF licensing can look straightforward but benefits from planning. Start by defining your communication need: how many users, how large an area, indoors or outdoors, and whether voice only or data. Then check whether licence-exempt options meet it, for example the citizen band at 26.957 to 27.383 MHz, which needs no licence but has limited range and performance. If you need reliable coverage, assigned frequency is usually the better option.

Select the right module on Saral Sanchar, which is the Fixed or Land Mobile HF, VHF and UHF module for frequencies below 806 MHz. Prepare entity documents, equipment details with ETA, the area of operation and any tower or antenna details. Pay licence and royalty fees through Bharatkosh and upload the receipt. WPC may coordinate with other users and seek siting clearance for towers. Once the licence is issued, operate within the assigned frequency, power and location, maintain logs as required and renew on time.

Do not forget possession authorisation for the radio sets themselves, which may follow the new 2026 route described by DoT. Budget for recurring costs and plan renewals, since licence fees can be significant for larger networks.