• FAQ

    All you need to know about 5G

    At the request of the Brussels Region, the BIPT carried out a study in September 2018 already, to determine which radiation standards would be necessary to roll out mobile 5G networks (5G). The technical report regarding the impact of the current Brussels radiation standards on the roll-out of mobile networks concluded that, taking into account the expected increase in data traffic and a desired roll-out of 5G, the radiation standards needed to be adjusted. The report was about 5G roll-out, but it also warned that 4G networks too risked congestion in the long run. That was confirmed by the study of 8 March 2021, in which the BIPT predicts the risks of congestion of the 4G networks in 3 major cities:

    • The study predicts that the 4G networks in Antwerp do not risk a considerable congestion.
    • In Liège the risk of a partial congestion during peak hours is expected for 4G networks. 
    • For Brussels the study warns against a risk of a major congestion during peak hours for 4G networks.

  • FAQ

    All you need to know about 5G

    5G further increases the mobile networks’ capacity for these to be able to continue to digest the still rapidly increasing mobile data traffic. For instance, a tenfold increase has been reported for data traffic in the past 5 years.

    In addition, 5G supports the Internet of Things and new applications, for instance for the automotive industry, health care and media and entertainment.

    5G aims at continuing to improve the mobile networks’ possibilities. Three spearheads can be distinguished in this regard:

    • an increase of the data speed per user and an increase of the mobile networks’ capacity in order to be able to manage the future growth of the mobile traffic. This will result in a better user experience and allow applications requiring more speed, e.g. Ultra-High Definition Video, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality …;
    • an improved reliability and latency. This allows to develop innovative services, the latency of which is crucial, for instance autonomous driving;
    • an increase of the number of devices that can be connected in a given area. This boosts the growth of the Internet of Things, which allows a more efficient management and follow-up not only in various sectors but in your home environment as well (Smart Homes, Smart Ports, Smart Agriculture ...).

  • FAQ

    In December 2020, Proximus activated 5G in the spectrum for which temporary user rights had been obtained at a number of sites.

    In addition, for its 5G Light product, launched in April 2020, Proximus uses the frequency bands that had already been assigned to it in the past based on its 3G licence, i.e. the 2100 MHz band. In accordance with the principle of technological neutrality (imposed by the European Directives), the operators having obtained user rights in a given frequency band are free to choose which technology they use. In that regard, Proximus’s démarche was completely legal. The accompanying tariff plan was baptised Mobilus 5G Unlimited and was offered at 49.99 EUR/month. It allows a download speed that is up to 30% higher than with 4G.
    Proximus has to continue to comply with the current radiation standards for its 5G Light product as well.

    Telenet will be gradually launching its mobile 5G network as of December 2021.

    The first 5G zones are located around Leuven, Antwerp and the coast. Customers with a 5G smartphone and a ONE, ONEup, KLIK and KING or KONG Business subscription will be the first to experience the benefits of this new technology. The other mobile products of Telenet, Telenet Business and BASE will follow in the spring of 2022. The 5G network will then be developed in the following years.

    Currently 5G test licences are also deployed for 5G testing.

    All you need to know about 5G

  • FAQ

    There are several examination levels, from beginner to advanced.

    • For beginners: 

    Examination C (basic operator certificate) consists of 30 multiple choice questions on the subject matters covered by the manual. 
    A correct answer scores 1 point; a wrong answer or a lack of answer scores 0 point. To pass the exam one has to score 80%. 
    No exemptions are granted on the subject matters.
    To take this exam, you must hold a certificate confirming that you passed a practical test organised by a radio amateur association recognised by the IBPT.

    • For novices: 

    Examination B (novice operator certificate) consists of 38 multiple choice questions on the subject matters covered by the manual (20 questions on the technical aspects, 10 questions on the legislation and 8 questions on the procedures).
    A correct answer scores 1 point; a wrong or a lack of answer scores 0 point. To pass the exam one has to score at least 50% for each component. 
    No exemptions are granted on subject matters.

    • For experts: 

    Examination A (HAREC operator certificate) consists of 48 multiple choice questions on the subject matters covered by the manual (30 questions on the technical aspects, 10 questions on the legislation and 8 questions on the procedures).
    A correct answer scores 1 point; a wrong or a lack of answer scores 0 point. To pass the exam one has to score at least 50% for each component. 
    No exemptions are granted on subject matters.

  • FAQ

    Access to the examination room is only granted upon presentation of your ID card.

    • The VHF examination consists of 20 multiple choice questions about the subject matter covered by the preparation manual for the examination to obtain the radiotelephone operator’s restricted certificate. To pass the exam one has to score 60%. No exemptions are granted on the subject matter.
      If you wish a printed version of the VHF manual, please transfer €5 on the account IBAN BE68 6791 7078 16 34 (BIC: PCHQBEBB) with the communication “VHF Manual” and send a copy of the proof of payment per e-mail to maritime@ibpt.be.
    • The SRC examination consists of 33 multiple choice questions (23 SRC and 10 VHF) about the subject matters covered by the examination programme. To pass the exam one has to score 60% for each subject matter. No exemptions are granted on subject matters.

  • FAQ

    Send an e-mail to examen@ibpt.be with your last name, first name, postal details (address), your phone number and a copy of both sides of your ID card.

    If you wish to take a level C exam, please enclose the certificate of achievement of a practical test organised by a recognised association.

    Our department will contact you to propose examination dates.

    Please note that you must be at least 12 years old to take an exam.

  • FAQ

    This information is described in the radio amateur frequency plan table which is based on a decision of the BIPT.

  • FAQ

    These changes only concern sales by professionals  to private individuals (B2C).

    Example: an online purchase by a Belgian consumer on a Chinese platform. 

    • The purchaser must pay the VAT on all goods imported in the EU from third countries.
    • For goods up to €150 bought online from outside the EU, the purchaser shall pay the VAT during the purchase if the seller is registered in the new import one-stop shop (IOSS).
    • If the seller is not registered in the IOSS or if the purchase amount exceeds €150, the purchaser will in principle pay the VAT to the courier during the delivery.

    To avoid any surprises, please check carefully from whom you are purchasing, especially if the VAT and the import duty are included in the selling price. Check your order and your invoice!

    All you need to know about the new VAT e-commerce rules (Information for consumers in the EU).

    More info avaliable on the website of the Federal  Public Service FINANCE:

  • FAQ

    You must send us your station authorisation back so that we can deactivate it and so that your vessel can be deleted from international databases.

    Please send it to:

    BIPT
    Maritime Department
    Ellipse Building C
    Boulevard du Roi Albert II 35 Box 1
    1030 Brussels (Belgium)

  • FAQ

    On 1 January 2021 current relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom will come to an end, whether a partnership agreement is concluded or not.

    Starting from 1 January 2021 the United Kingdom (UK) will be treated as a non-EU country for customs purposes.

    Parcels from and to the United Kingdom will have to follow the same procedure as that applied to third countries (non-EU countries), such as Canada or the United States. This means that these parcels must be accompanied by a customs form, which is necessary to be processed through customs.

    For more information, we advise you to contact the Brexit Call Centre of the General Administration of Customs & Excise Duties. This contact centre is available from Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the phone number 0257/55.555.

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