The Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus (Receivers) (Exemption) Regulations 1989

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations provide for the exemption from the provisions of section 1(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 of all wireless telegraphy apparatus which is capable only of receiving transmissions, except for the apparatus mentioned below. Accordingly it will not be necessary to hold a licence to install and use apparatus to which these Regulations apply.

These Regulations do not affect television receiving licences, for which the charges continue to be set under the Wireless Telegraphy (Broadcast Licence Charges and Exemption) Regulations 1984 (S.I. 1984/1053, as amended by S.I. 1988/376 and 899).

These Regulations do not apply to apparatus which is already exempt from licensing by virtue of other Regulations. S.I. 1984/1053, referred to above, exempts apparatus used only for the reception of sound broadcasts made by authorised broadcasting stations, apparatus used only for receiving messages from licensed amateur stations, and broadcast relay apparatus. The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 1980 (S.I. 1980/1848) exempt, inter alia, radio controlled models.

The exemption does not extend to apparatus used for listening to unlicensed broadcasting stations.

For these Regulations to apply, the apparatus must not cause undue interference, and must comply with any enactment which gives protection against its causing interference.

The Regulations do not affect –

(a) the operation of either the Interception of Communications Act 1985, or section 5(b) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949

(b) the civil or criminal liability resulting from unauthorised reception or dealing.