1. Can I install as many base stations as I want?
The quantity of base stations depends on the network's service area (area of mobile station displacement) and is justified in the technical documentation submitted by the interested parties.
ANACOM’s authorisation is granted considering the required structure and justified need. For technical reasons or reasons related to the network's operation, each station’s coverage area is limited to a certain distance around the base station; its equivalent radiated power (ERP) is set so that it is sufficient for that coverage.
The following values have been set for coverage of each base station emitting in semi-duplex mode: in the 40, 80 and 160 MHz bands, a radius of 60 km; and in the 450 MHz band, a radius of 30 km.
For operational reasons, various base stations may be installed to increase communications quality and/or coverage, in which case the installation of more than one base station will be necessary with appropriate localisation.
2. Can I have an exclusive channel?
Yes - the applicant may be assigned exclusive channels on a national basis.
In the case of cellular networks, where the number of portable/mobile stations exceeds 35 units, an exclusive channel will also be assigned in the geographic region.
There are no limits on the number of mobile stations in any situation.
3. What is the maximum authorised power for a private radio network?
Maximum equivalent radiated power (ERP) is limited to 25 watts in channels that emit in semi-duplex mode however this does not mean that this value can be set for any network.
For any given installation site, and for a given cellular coverage, depending on the emission frequencies, calculations are made to determine the ERP to be assigned to each base station. If the network includes more than one base station, with different ERP values, the ERP considered for the mobile stations will correspond to the base station with the highest value.
In exceptional conditions, the mobile stations of a given network may be authorised to emit with an apparent radiated power above that of the base station or stations.
In the case of networks emitting on simplex channels, maximum authorised ERP is 5 watts.
4. Can I sell my equipment to another party? Does the acquirer need a new licence?
Network (or station) licences may be transferred to another party with ANACOM's prior authorisation, which may modify the licences in question, taking into account the public interest, in the context of radio spectrum management.
The licence issued by ANACOM does not refer to specific equipment, allowing use of a station or set of stations under determined conditions. In case of agreement, ANACOM will issue a licence in the name of the new title-holder.
Temporary licences are non-transmittable.
5. 1. If I acquire more equipment to install/use new mobile stations, do I need authorisation from ANACOM?
The number of mobile stations in the network can vary within the parameters set out in the network licence sent to the title-holder without having to be reported to ANACOM. If the number of mobile stations is reduced or increased beyond the parameters set in the network licence, this must be reported to ANACOM in order to effect a possible change of category and modification of the licence.
Legally, equipment is not subject to licensing. Therefore, authorisation is not required from ANACOM for its acquisition, removal or substitution.
6. Can I install a base station for my network at a high elevation in order to obtain better coverage? How can I remotely command that station?
The location of base stations is the decision of the applicant according to the required coverage area. Changing the base station’s location may improve service area coverage but not increase it beyond the authorised area: the coverage areas associated with emission in cellular channels are typified, with the following values set for coverage of each base station emitting in semi-duplex mode: a 60 Km radius in the 40, 80 and 160 MHz bands; and a 30 Km radius in the 450 MHz band.
When an increase in radio coverage of the network service area is required beyond these values, the installation of other base stations should be considered in appropriate sites.
The equivalent radiated power (ERP) of base stations is determined based on the values obtained in the calculations which enable coverage of the cellular area, without exceeding 25 watts.
A station installed in a place with a low level will be assigned a sufficient ERP value to cover, for example, 60 km; the same station, transferred to higher ground, may possibly see its ERP reduced to likewise cover 60 km.
Remote command may be considered by radio path using the operator's own stations or using the public operator's resources; in any case, the option must always be described and justified in the network plan.
7. Does the usage fee increase if I move my base station to a site at a higher elevation?
The usage fee is charged according to the network and not specifically according to the base station.
The main parameters used to set the fee are:
- number of channels assigned to the network;
- coverage area;
- category considered for the mobile stations (quantity);
- bandwidth used and network functioning mode.
8. If I have been authorised by ANACOM to install my network, do I need authorisation from any other authority before installing antennas?
According to Decree-Law no. 11/2003 of 18 January, the installation of radiocommunications stations and respective accessories, namely antennas, in rural or urban buildings requires the consent of the building owners. This consent does not waive any other acts of licensing or authorisation stipulated by law, specifically those under the jurisdiction of local governments.
By issuing a radiocommunications station or network usage licence, ANACOM assumes that the licence holder has obtained such consent or authorisations.
9. My network's base station will be installed in a place outside my head office. Can I command it with a mobile station?
Mobile stations may be controlled using mobile stations (Talkthrough), fixed station in the frequency, by radio link in the 406-430 MHz band or also by using the recourses provided by public telecommunications operators.
10. I hold the title of a land mobile service private network with base station and various portable and vehicle-based devices. Why was I issued only one licence?
Under the terms of Decree-Law no. 151-A/2000https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=976037 of 20 July, as amended by Decree-Law no. 264/2009https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1021644 of 28 September, specifically paragraph 1 of article 8, ''the use of stations, which comprise a licensed radiocommunications network, shall not require a licence'', except in the particular cases identified in the Radio Licensing Regulation.
A network licence allows use of all stations which comprise the network under conditions established in the licence.
