The use of an earth station is subject to obtain the relevant authorisation. Such an authorisation may be requested from the Institut via the following application form:

However, there are 2 unique types of an earth station:

  • Temporary video links via satellite, called « Satellite News Gathering » (SNG);
  • Two-way earth stations or maritime stabilised VSAT antennas with a diameter of less than 3.8 m (HEST, LEST, VSAT)

SNG stations

An “SNG” earth station allows to create temporary video links via satellite, called “Satellite News Gathering”, to route video reports to the broadcast studios.

Operating conditions / Notification form

The operation of an earth station operating in the frequency band 14,00-14,50 GHz (Earth-to-space) with a power level of e.i.r.p. > 60 dBW must be notified to the Institute.

The equipment shall comply with the technical specifications as defined in the radio interfaces.

Fees for the use of SNG

The SNG stations as described here above are exempted from licence fees.

VSAT stations

The VSAT is a bidirectional earth station or a stabilised maritime VSAT antenna, with a diameter of maximal 3,8 m. Most of the antennas have a diameter between 75 cm and 1,2 m. Typical speeds are situated between 56 kbps and some more Mbps.

Operating conditions / Notification form

The table below defines the applicable authorisation regime:

The equipment shall comply with the technical specifications as defined in the radio interfaces (HEST, LEST, VSAT).

Possible coordination procedure

Note 1 :

In case of use of a VSAT earth station in the frequency band 14.25-14.5 GHz, some supplementary obligations could result out of a coordination procedure as this band is shared with terrestrial fixed service.

Please use in such a case the application form here below in order to provide all essential information to the Institut for an eventually coordination:

General authorisation

According to Article 15 of the low from 17 December 2021 on electronic communications networks and services, the provision of an electronic communications network and services is subject of a notification to the Electronic Communications department of the Institute. Please find further more information on the following internet page

Fees for the use of VSAT

The VSAT stations as described here above are exempted from licence fees.

Protection of the public against
electromagnetic fields

Please contact...

Administration de l’Environnement

1, avenue du Rock’n’Roll
L-4361 Esch-sur-Alzette

Tél : (+352) 40 56 56 1