The Broadcasting Act 1990 (Independent Radio Services Exception) Order 2026

• Citation: S.I. 2026/300
• Sections: 4

Section 1 Citation, commencement and extent

(1) This Order may be cited as the Broadcasting Act 1990 (Independent Radio Services Exception) Order 2026.

(2) This Order comes into force on 1st May 2026.

(3) This Order extends to the United Kingdom.

Section 2 Interpretation

In this Order—

“ AM broadcasting frequency ” means a frequency that falls within the frequency band 526.5 kilohertz to 1.6065 megahertz;

“ FM broadcasting frequency ” means a frequency that falls within the frequency band 87.5 to 108 megahertz;

“ restricted service ” has the meaning given by section 245(4)(c) of the Communications Act 2003;

“ wireless telegraphy apparatus ” has the meaning given by section 117(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 .

Section 3 Excepted radio services

(1) Section 97(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (prohibition on providing independent radio services without a licence) does not apply to any service of the description specified in paragraph (2).

(2) The service is—

(a) a restricted service, and

(b) transmitted on—

(i) a frequency other than an AM or FM broadcasting frequency using wireless telegraphy apparatus, or

(ii) an FM broadcasting frequency using wireless telegraphy apparatus which emits electromagnetic energy having an effective radiated power not exceeding 50 nanowatts.

Section 4 Revocations

The following enactments are revoked—

(a) the Broadcasting Act 1990 (Independent Radio Services: Exceptions) Order 1990 ;

(b) the Broadcasting Act 1990 (Independent Radio Services Exceptions) Order 2007 .