China has released revised regulations covering the management of radio frequencies, stations, transmission equipment and radio operations related to foreign affairs.
The initial rules came into force in September 1993 to ensure proper development and use of radio frequencies.
The revision will take effect on December 1.
The new rules will reduce red tape in radio and strengthen supervision, while focusing on radio-related crimes such as illegal base stations which can disrupt communication between mobile phones and legal base stations to send disguised text messages.
Equipment involved in such illegal activities will be confiscated and stations will be shut down.
The new rules say: “People setting up and using radio stations for fraud and other illegal activities should be pursued for criminal liabilities, and those involved in lesser crimes should be fined 200,000 ($29,000) to 500,000 ($72,500) yuan in addition to the seizure of all equipment and illicit gains.”
The regulation underlining the country’s radio frequencies as “national rare resources” also notes that certified radio operators who have not used their designated frequencies for two years, or used them as required, will have their certification revoked and their frequencies will be taken back.
A radio specialist familiar with Chinese broadcasting regulations has contributed this analysis of why the rules have changed:
“The FM spectrum is pretty full with most cities having 10-20 stations, plus there is crossover with close cities. Probably all about trying to clean up the spectrum a bit. I think deep down thought it is also about keeping a firm grip on stations who may stray from their license, and making sure they use the frequencies/licenses for what they are intended. Eg. If they are issued with a “Traffic station” or “News/talk” license, that they stick within the format.
This could potentially have an impact on companies that partner with locally government run stations. Eg. There was a frequency in Shijiazhuang which was issued as a “science and education” license but played music, and I know the government was worried and ensured there was some education content on the station. With these tighter restrictions announced, this could mean added pressure from local governments and partners to ensure they don’t get licenses taken away from them
RADEX in China is also increasing, some stations that are sticking to the rules might have their nose out of joint that they maybe missing out on increased revenue and have made an issue out of stations that are playing outside there license conditions and making money.”