Is the use of LTE/5G directional antennas legal in Europe?
shares
Is the use of LTE/5G directional antennas legal in Europe?
An overview of the legal situation and frequency usage
The desire for stable and fast internet access leads many users to optimize their mobile routers with external directional antennas. However, the following question frequently arises:
"Is that even allowed?"
This article clarifies the legal situation in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and generally in Europe. We pay particular attention to the permitted frequency bands and their significance for antenna technology.
Passive antennas are permitted – under certain conditions.
Our products – such as the CoFlex3200-5G outdoor antenna – are passive directional antennas . They do not actively amplify the mobile signal, but merely focus it in a specific direction. Such antennas are generally considered exempt from licensing requirements throughout Europe, provided that:
- they do not contain any integrated amplifiers (boosters/repeaters) ,
- they are connected to a compliant terminal device (e.g. LTE/5G router with CE marking),
- Operation only takes place in permissible frequency bands ,
- no harmful interference with other radio services occurs.
Approved frequency bands in Europe
Different frequency ranges are allocated depending on the mobile communication standard and country. For antennas like the CoFlex3200-5G, which is designed for 700–3800 MHz, the following bands are relevant:
| Frequency (MHz) | 3GPP Volume | Application | Status in Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 703–733 & 758–788 | Volume 28 | LTE 700 (Digital Dividend 2) | In operation |
| 791–821 & 832–862 | Volume 20 | LTE 800 | In operation |
| 880–915 & 925–960 | Volume 8 | GSM / LTE 900 | In operation |
| 1710–1785 & 1805–1880 | Volume 3 | LTE 1800 | In operation |
| 1920–1980 & 2110–2170 | Volume 1 | UMTS / LTE / 5G (FDD) | In operation |
| 2500–2570 & 2620–2690 | Volume 7 | LTE / 5G | In operation |
| 3400–3800 | Volume n78 | 5G (NR, TDD) | In operation |
These bands have been approved by European regulatory authorities for mobile communications services. The operation of passive receiving antennas in these bands is permitted, provided that no active transmitting functions (e.g., by repeaters) are present.
Legal situation in different countries
🇦🇹 Austria
Responsible authority: RTR – Broadcasting and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Passive antennas are permitted. Devices must be CE compliant. Active repeaters require approval.
https://www.rtr.at
🇩🇪 Germany
Responsible authority: Federal Network Agency (BNetzA)
Passive receiving antennas are permitted. Active mobile signal boosters are generally prohibited or subject to registration .
https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Responsible authority: BAKOM / OFCOM
The use of passive receiving antennas is legal. Devices must meet the technical requirements.
https://www.bakom.admin.ch
What could be problematic?
Even with legal antenna hardware, problems can occur in individual cases – especially with defective end devices .
An example from our experience: A customer was using a Ubiquiti NanoStation M2 , which was damaged by water ingress . As a result, the device transmitted on an unauthorized frequency – which alerted the highest levels of radio monitoring .
Conclusion
The use of passive LTE/5G directional antennas such as the CoFlex3200-5G is permitted in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and throughout the EU, provided the antenna:
- passive (not actively reinforcing),
- is correctly connected and operated
- operates within the licensed frequency bands.
Illegal applications usually only arise from active repeaters or defective terminal devices that transmit without authorization.
Questions? We're happy to help!
📧 service@halo-son.com
🛠️ You can obtain data sheets, technical information and advice directly from our team.
📄 You can also find our datasheets online at: https://shop.halo-son.com/pages/downloads
📞 For personal advice, you can also reach us by phone at: +43 676 423 1634
