What are PMSE devices?
The term "Program Making and Special Events" (PMSE) covers radio applications used in events with real-time presentation of audiovisual information, including the transmission of audio, video and data signals. They cover a wide range of video and audio applications, which are becoming increasingly important for the development of media and entertainment industry. They also include meetings, conferences, cultural and education activities, trade fairs, local entertainment, sport, religious and other public or private events for perceived real-time presentation of audio/visual information. PMSE equipment is used for professional and non-professional purposes, both at local and national level. Radio microphones are the most common and widely used PMSE wireless audio devices, and related systems include portable in-ear monitors and two-way communication systems, audio radio links.
In accordance with the Electronic Communications Law, PMSE devices may be used in Latvia after receiving a permit for the frequency assignment use from “Electronic Communications Office of Latvia” or in accordance with a permit for the use of a shared radio frequency assignment (general authorization).
The National Radio Frequency Plan (Cabinet Regulation No. 3 of 10 January 2023) determines the applications of radiocommunication systems to be used in particular frequency bands.
A summary of the bands and conditions of the use of audio PMSE devices
| Frequency band | Max. power | Terms | |
| e | 174–216 MHz | 50 mW e.r.p. | an individual license is required |
| f1 | 470–694 MHz | 50 mW e.r.p. | an individual license is required |
| f3 | 821.5–826 MHz | 20 mW e.i.r.p. 100 mW e.i.r.p. (on the body) | an individual license is required |
| f4 | 826–832 MHz | 100 mW e.i.r.p. | an individual license is required |
| g | 863–865 MHz | 10 mW e.i.r.p. | an individual license is required |
| h1 | 1350-1400 MHz | 20 mW e.i.r.p. 50 mW e.i.r.p. (on the body or with a spectrum scanning function) |
an individual license is required |
| j | 1785-1804.8 MHz | 20 mW e.i.r.p. 50 mW e.i.r.p. (on the body or with a spectrum scanning function) | general authorization |
| 57a | 2400–2483.5 MHz | 10 mW e.i.r.p | non specific SRD, general authorization |
| 61 | 5725–5875 MHz | 25 mW e.i.r.p | non specific SRD, general authorization |
Frequency bands for video PMSE with individual license
470–694 MHz
2010–2025 MHz
2025-2110 MHZ
2200-2290 MHz
2360-2400 MHz
7128-7240 MHz
7282-7394 MHz
10-10.15 GHz
21.2-21.4 GHz
22.6-23 GHz
24.25-24.5 GHz
Application for an individual license (frequency assignment usage permit) should be submitted to Electronic Communications Office (Eksporta street 5, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia / vases@vases.lv). The application form for a short-term frequency use permit is available here (link to PMSE_EN.doc).
According to rules of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia No. 600 (https://likumi.lv/ta/id/335914-valsts-akciju-sabiedribas-elektroniskie-… ) for each license depending from the duration of the use the following charges are applied:
1) Consideration of a request for a short-term frequency usage permit for PMSE equipment - EUR 38.53 (single-payment, 1.5.1 point);
2) Providing of electromagnetic compatibility for low-power radio equipment on a secondary service base EUR 9.17 per month (2.11.9 point) or proportion to the duration of the use.
Changes in the frequency bands for PMSE devices
Effective from 2022, the allocation of the 694-789 MHz frequency band is changed to the mobile service, as a result, the use of radio microphones in this band will not be allowed. We invite you to take these changes into account when purchasing new equipment.
