Under the Broadcasting Act (Cap 28), a licence is required for the ownership or operation of any broadcasting apparatus capable of or designed for receiving broadcasting signals.

This includes devices like radio and TV sets, TV-enabled computers/screens as well as TV-enabled mobile phones.

It is thus an offence to operate a radio or TV receiver without a valid licence.

Households with valid TV licences need not take up separate radio licences for radio sets installed on the premises as this is covered by the existing TV licences.

In the case of radio sets installed in vehicles, a separate vehicle radio licence is required.

Although TV-enabled mobile devices are increasingly being used to receive TV signals, mobile broadcasting is still in its nascent stage. Hence, we will not be mandating the need for a separate TV licence for such devices for the time being.

Regina Chang (Ms)
Manager
Customer & Licensing Services
Media Development Authority