Citizens band (CB) radio
Citizens band (CB) radio is used for all types of private, non-commercial radio communication. It is intended for the exchange of information and conversation between individuals.
The licensing requirement for the use of CB radio equipment was lifted on 1 January 2013.
Licence-free operation of this radio application is in line with a general international trend and had been requested often by users of these frequencies.
The table below provides information on the applicable details and key features:
Call sign
Voice radio: Since the licensing obligation has been lifted, there is no technical or legal justification for maintaining the licensing authority's previous allocation and registration of call signs. They therefore no longer apply.
Data radio: The data radio protocol (packet radio), on the other hand, requires a six-digit call sign from the internationally valid series for Switzerland.
Since 20 November 2023, searches for calls signs that have been allocated for data transmission via packet radio packets and searches for applications for call signs are generally carried out using the DETEC eGovernment Portal of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications.
New customers must first register on the portal. This can be done free of charge via the CH-LOGIN provided by the Confederation. Instructions are available in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Existing OFCOM customers who never had an account on the previous portal (OFCOM Online) are requested to email us at kf-fk@bakom.admin.ch before registering on the DETEC eGovernment portal. You can register and submit your application as soon as you receive our approval.
Request packet radio call sign
Search for assigned packet radio call signs
You can also contact OFCOM directly if you have questions regarding the portal (kf-fk@bakom.admin.ch).
Channel recommendation
This channel recommendation was developed by the interest groups for citizens band (CB) radio.
