---
title: "What changed for 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz equipment?"
canonical_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq/what-changed-for-2400-5100-5800-mhz-equipment"
source_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq/what-changed-for-2400-5100-5800-mhz-equipment"
author: "Sorena AI"
description: "MIIT's 2021 notice revised band uses, radio technical limits, interference controls, model approval and station licensing for 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz equipment."
published_at: "2026-07-05"
updated_at: "2026-07-24"
keywords:
  - "China telecom"
  - "Network access permit"
  - "Radio management"
  - "Wireless equipment"
  - "Mobile terminal apps"
---
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---

# What changed for 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz equipment?

MIIT's 2021 notice revised band uses, radio technical limits, interference controls, model approval and station licensing for 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz equipment.

*Question* *China*

## What changed for 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz equipment? Direct answer

MIIT revised the permitted uses, RF and antenna requirements, interference controls, IPv6 condition, model approval and station-licensing rules. The notice took effect on 1 January 2022.

From 15 October 2023, model-approval applications for equipment in these bands must use the notice's technical requirements. Older approvals and equipment already in use received limited transition treatment.

MIIT Notice 工信部无〔2021〕129号 revised the rules for transmitters operating in 2400-2483.5MHz, 5150-5350MHz and 5725-5850MHz. It updated permitted uses, RF and antenna design, multi-antenna calculations, unwanted-emission limits, interference-avoidance methods, the conditional IPv6 requirement, radio model approval and radio station licensing. The notice took effect on 1 January 2022. From 15 October 2023, model-approval applications must comply with its technical requirements.

## Definitions

### Radio transmitting equipment model approval

**Term:** radio model approval

Radio model approval is the national approval of a radio transmitting equipment model's frequency, power, spectrum and other radio characteristics before production or import for domestic sale or use, unless a specific exemption applies. For equipment in the 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz bands, applications filed from 15 October 2023 must use the technical requirements in MIIT Notice 工信部无〔2021〕129号.

**Why it matters here:** The approval covers the tested radio design and stated configuration. Antenna substitution, an added RF power amplifier, changed bands, power, firmware controls or another material RF change requires reassessment rather than reliance on the old certificate alone.

Sources:

- [Radio Regulations of the People's Republic of China](https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2016-11/25/content_5137687.htm?ref=sorena.io)
- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io)

### Dynamic frequency selection

**Term:** DFS

Dynamic frequency selection is the interference-control function that detects protected radar use and changes channel when required. Equipment operating in 5250-5350MHz must implement DFS and may not offer an option that disables it.

**Why it matters here:** The finished firmware and user controls must preserve DFS. Retain test evidence for the approved configuration and reassess any change that affects channel selection or radar detection.

Sources:

- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io)

### Transmit power control

**Term:** TPC

Transmit power control is the equipment function that adjusts transmit power. In 5250-5350MHz, the required TPC range is at least 6 dB; equipment without TPC must apply EIRP and EIRP spectral-density limits that are 3 dB lower than the corresponding annex limits.

**Why it matters here:** Record whether the model implements TPC and retain the test results for that branch. A firmware or hardware change that affects power control requires reassessment.

Sources:

- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io)

### Equivalent isotropically radiated power

**Term:** EIRP

EIRP is the radiated-power measure that combines transmitter output and antenna gain in the direction of maximum radiation. The 2021 notice uses EIRP both for equipment limits and to decide whether specified outdoor 2400MHz or 5800MHz stations need a radio station licence.

**Why it matters here:** Calculate EIRP from the finished deployment's transmitter and antenna configuration. For the named outdoor station types, more than 20 dBm at 2400MHz or more than 30 dBm at 5800MHz triggers the provincial station-licence requirement.

Sources:

- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io)

## Short answer

The 2400MHz band supports broadband wireless access including WLAN, Bluetooth and point-to-point links. The 5100MHz band supports broadband wireless access but is limited to indoor use and excludes use inside automobiles. The 5800MHz band supports broadband wireless access, point-to-point links and electronic toll collection. No station or device has exclusive use of these shared bands.

For equipment in these bands, the RF unit and antenna must be integrated or designed and produced with synchronized matching. Users may not substitute another antenna or add an RF power amplifier. Equipment generally needs radio transmitting equipment model approval, except qualifying micro-power short-range equipment governed by MIIT Announcement 2019 No. 52.

- Equipment in 5250-5350MHz must use dynamic frequency selection (DFS) with no disable option and transmit power control (TPC) with a range of at least 6 dB. Without TPC, both EIRP and EIRP spectral-density limits are reduced by 3 dB.
- Equipment in all three bands must meet one of the interference-avoidance methods in Annex 2. The official interpretation describes listen-before-talk, monitoring and avoidance, or an equivalent occupancy rate no greater than 10 percent.
- A WLAN device that assigns public-network IP addresses must support IPv6 and enable IPv6 address assignment by default. Since 1 December 2023, the model-approval test also checks IPv6 capability; the product must retain a user configuration option and explain configuration in its instructions. This condition does not apply merely because a product has Wi-Fi.
- Equipment subject to special national information-security requirements must also meet the GB 15629 WLAN air-interface access-control security series.

Sources for this answer:

- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io) - Articles 1-4 and Annexes 1-2 establish the band uses, antenna design, model approval, DFS, TPC, interference-avoidance, IPv6 and security conditions.
- [MIIT Interpretation of the 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Notice](https://www.miit.gov.cn/jgsj/wgj/gzdt/art/2021/art_5ce7334ce5754925babf82f43014348a.html?ref=sorena.io) - Explains the multi-antenna, unwanted-emission and interference-avoidance changes, including the equivalent-occupancy method.
- [MIIT Notice on IPv6 Capability Testing for WLAN Equipment Model Approval](https://www.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2023/art_285ce370b01e4a53add3c8e17c87597b.html?ref=sorena.io) - Requires testing from 1 December 2023 for WLAN equipment with public IP address assignment and specifies default enablement, user configuration and instruction content.

## Station licensing and transition

A wireless LAN access point, broadband wireless access centre station or point-to-point station needs a provincial radio station licence only when it is outdoors and its EIRP is more than 20 dBm in 2400MHz or more than 30 dBm in 5800MHz. Other equipment and stations in the three bands do not need a station licence under this notice. A 5100MHz station must remain more than 3 km from a lawfully used same-band satellite radionavigation or fixed-satellite earth station operating in the space-to-Earth direction.

The technical transition is now over for new applications. Before 15 October 2023, equipment meeting the former rules but not the new technical requirements could still apply for model approval or an extension under the former rules. The official interpretation says equipment already put into use could remain in use until scrapped, and explains that a model approval's validity controls production, import, domestic sale and use rather than an end user's possession period.

- Retain the approved band, channel, power, antenna, RF-unit integration, multi-antenna calculations, unwanted-emission results and selected interference-avoidance method for the finished model.
- For 5250-5350MHz, retain DFS tests showing there is no disable option and TPC evidence, or the reduced-limit test results for equipment without TPC.
- For WLAN equipment with public IP address assignment, retain IPv6 support and default-enable evidence; record why the condition does not apply where that function is absent.
- For each deployment, record indoor or outdoor use, station type, EIRP, coordinates, any 5100MHz satellite-earth-station separation check, and the station-licence conclusion.
- For a legacy model, retain the approval or extension application date, certificate validity and evidence that supports continued manufacture, import, sale or use under the transition.

Sources for this answer:

- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io) - Articles 5-7 and 13-14 set the outdoor EIRP station-licence thresholds, the 5100MHz separation rule, the 1 January 2022 effective date and the 15 October 2023 technical cutoff.
- [MIIT Interpretation of the 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Notice](https://www.miit.gov.cn/jgsj/wgj/gzdt/art/2021/art_5ce7334ce5754925babf82f43014348a.html?ref=sorena.io) - Explains the two-year transition, former-rule applications before the cutoff, certificate validity and continued use of equipment already deployed.

## Primary sources

- [MIIT Notice on 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Management](https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2021/art_e4ae71252eab42928daf0ea620976e4e.html?ref=sorena.io) - Official text of 工信部无〔2021〕129号, including band uses, equipment technical rules, model approval, station licensing, interference controls and implementation dates.
- [MIIT Interpretation of the 2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz Radio Notice](https://www.miit.gov.cn/jgsj/wgj/gzdt/art/2021/art_5ce7334ce5754925babf82f43014348a.html?ref=sorena.io) - Official interpretation explaining the policy changes, interference controls and transition treatment.
- [MIIT Notice on IPv6 Capability Testing for WLAN Equipment Model Approval](https://www.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/tz/art/2023/art_285ce370b01e4a53add3c8e17c87597b.html?ref=sorena.io) - Official testing and product-instruction requirements in force from 1 December 2023 for WLAN equipment with public IP address assignment.

## Topic Guides

- [2400MHz, 5100MHz and 5800MHz radio equipment rules](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/radio-equipment-2400-5100-5800-mhz.md): Band-specific China radio management requirements, implementation timing, and equipment evidence for products using these bands.
- [China network access vs radio management](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/china-network-access-vs-radio-approval.md): Crosswalk separating telecom network access licensing from radio transmitting equipment management for connected products.
- [China telecom and wireless deadlines and compliance calendar](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/deadlines-and-compliance-calendar.md): China telecom and wireless commencement dates, permit lead times, renewals, transitions, and change-triggered filings.
- [China telecom and wireless equipment requirements](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/requirements.md): China network access, radio management, micro-power equipment, and mobile terminal app requirements for connected-device launch teams.
- [China Telecom and Wireless FAQ](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq.md): China connected-device FAQ covering network access permits, radio model approval, station licensing, 2400/5100/5800MHz rules and preinstalled mobile apps.
- [China telecom and wireless launch checklist](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/checklist.md): Release-gate checklist for China network access permits, radio band rules, micro-power equipment and preinstalled mobile apps.
- [China telecom and wireless penalties and enforcement exposure](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/penalties-and-fines.md): China penalties for unlicensed telecom equipment, radio model approval, station licensing, interference, and mobile app violations.
- [China Telecom Equipment Network Access Permit Workflow](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/telecom-equipment-network-access-license.md): Decide whether equipment needs a China network access permit, then prepare the applicant, test, application, mark, renewal and change evidence.
- [Connected device China launch workflow](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/connected-device-china-launch-workflow.md): Decide which China network-access, radio, micro-power and mobile-terminal app requirements apply to a connected-device model, then control the evidence through release.
- [Do preinstalled mobile apps have special China requirements?](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq/do-preinstalled-mobile-apps-have-special-china-requirements.md): Yes. Covered mobile smart terminals have China-specific duties for app disclosure, consent, uninstallability, upgrade behavior, distribution controls and network-access consistency.
- [Does my connected device need a China network access permit?](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq/does-my-connected-device-need-china-network-access-permit.md): Not every connected device needs a China network access permit. Check public-network connection, the current MIIT equipment directory, and the 2023 licensing reforms.
- [Is radio management separate from network access in China?](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq/is-radio-management-separate-from-network-access-in-china.md): Yes. China network access and radio management use different scope tests and approvals. A product can need both, one, or neither.
- [Micro-power short-range radio equipment rules](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/micro-power-short-range-radio-equipment.md): How to use the micro-power short-range radio equipment catalogue and technical requirements in China launch triage.
- [Mobile terminal preinstalled app requirements](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/mobile-terminal-preinstalled-apps.md): China mobile smart terminal preinstallation and distribution duties for device makers and app distribution workflows.
- [Network access permit application evidence template](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/network-access-permit-application-evidence-template.md): Model-level evidence index for a China telecom equipment network-access permit, from catalogue decision and applicant records through trial evidence, filing, approval and renewal.
- [Preinstalled app user rights and removal checks](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/preinstalled-app-user-rights-and-removal.md): Practical checks for mobile terminal preinstalled app distribution, user-facing controls, and cited evidence.
- [What evidence is needed for a network access permit?](/artifacts/apac/china-telecom-wireless-regulation/faq/what-evidence-is-needed-for-a-network-access-permit.md): China network-access permit evidence: Chinese application forms, applicant and manufacturer records, quality evidence, product description, test or certification records, and any required network-trial file.

*Operationalize the requirement*

*Placement: Before cited sources*

## Prepare the China connected-device launch file

Connect the answer to the exact product facts, applicable cited source, accountable owner and retained evidence.

- [Map cited sources to evidence](/solutions/research-copilot.md): Research Copilot connects the citation, decision, owner, retained evidence, and change history.
- [Review the China route](/contact.md): Review unresolved equipment classification, approval or product-change questions before release.


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