Electronic – ny country where the 868 MHz or 915 MHz ISM band cannot be used

433mhzfccfrequencyradio

The product I am working on (Electronic Shelf Label) uses the 915 MHz radio frequency band and is currently being deployed in Asia. I am gathering the list of countries that the 915 MHz frequency is licensed or illegal to be used in. I prefer to stick to this and not switch to 433 MHz to avoid increasing the antenna length. Most sources I found state that it is allowable to use 868 MHz in Europe with certain limits, therefore I am considering it as well since antenna length only increases slightly.

However I came across the following information.

This Decision harmonises the frequency bands and the related technical conditions for the availability and efficient use of spectrum for short-range devices within the 874-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz frequency bands.

What I wish to know is whether 915 MHz is currently allowed (license-free) in Europe? Additionally, are there Regions/countries where I have no choice but to use 433 MHz?

Extra info: Table 5.1 here shows that 868-950 MHz is allowed to be used globally, but does not mention about licensing.

Best Answer

What I wish to know is whether 915 MHz is currently allowed (license-free) in Europe?

No.
It's not an ISM band in Europe.

efficient use of spectrum for short-range devices within the 874-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz frequency bands.

"Short-range device" usage is very specific, that's not the same as "ISM band"; on the contrary. The European legislation that you're referring to leaves it up to the member states to define what an SRD is – and in European member states, those always (?) have been walkie-talkies, not things like machine-to-machine communications.

Maybe that will change, but it remains to be seen. In any case, you cannot assume this band to be currently available; that European guideline is pending national legislation.

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