FAQ
TL;DR: 63 % of Polish non-commercial radio channels remain on analog FM [UKE, 2023]; “posting frequencies is not an offense” [Elektroda, medicb, post #1327742] Hobby listeners can tune legally, but sharing intercepted content is prohibited. This FAQ helps scanner owners avoid legal pitfalls and locate active frequencies.
Why it matters: One wrong post can cost you your scanner and a three-year investigation.
Quick Facts
• Legal to own a receiver that covers 0.1–1 000 MHz; illegal to disseminate intercepted content [Telecom Law Art. 144, 2022].
• Typical FM voice channels use 12.5 kHz spacing; TPSA radiotelephones in 160 MHz band use 5.75 MHz duplex shift [Elektroda, serwis, post #1368842]
• Entry-level wideband scanners start at ≈ 300 zł (≈ €65) [Retail Price, 2024].
• Only 18 % of Polish municipalities have partial TETRA coverage [UKE, 2023].
• Maximum administrative fine for unlawful disclosure of traffic data is 100 000 zł [UKE Tariff, 2023].
Is it legal to listen to police or taxi frequencies in Poland?
Yes. Possessing and using a receiver to monitor open transmissions is legal. The District Court in Poznań ruled that publishing raw frequency lists is not an offense [Elektroda, medicb, post #1327742] However, the Telecommunications Law forbids divulging any content you hear, even to friends [Telecom Law Art. 159, 2022].
Can I post recorded conversations from my scanner on the internet?
No. Sharing intercepted voice or data violates telecom secrecy. One user was reminded that he “shared information not intended for you” [Elektroda, yes2mike, post #1362327] Penalties include fines up to 100 000 zł and temporary seizure of equipment [UKE Tariff, 2023].
What actually happened to the famous Giller frequency list site?
Forum members note the site went offline, likely for tax or administrative reasons, not purely for publishing frequencies [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #1377384] No official ban on frequency lists was issued, but operators must still respect content secrecy.
How wide is the duplex shift for TPSA rural radiotelephones in the 160 MHz band?
The repeaters use a 5.75 MHz split: mobiles transmit 5.75 MHz below the base frequency [Elektroda, serwis, post #1368842] Example: downlink 165.7375 MHz → uplink 160.-0125 MHz.
Are Kraków city-guard channels really at 460–462 MHz?
Unlikely. A listener reported traffic there [Elektroda, androot, post #1368411], but another pointed out that 460–462 MHz hosts Police EDACS, while city guards usually work near 148 MHz [Elektroda, IjeSJot, post #1368497] Your scanner may be picking up analog maintenance talkgroups rather than the guard.
What scanner settings work best for small-town services?
- Set step to 12.5 kHz (standard narrowband).
- Scan 148–174 MHz and 420–470 MHz in 5 MHz blocks.
- Store busy channels; lock out data bursts.
This 3-step sweep finds most fire, ambulance, and municipal channels because only 18 % of towns use digital TETRA yet [UKE, 2023].
Could the police confiscate my radio even if I’m licensed?
Yes. A user warned that equipment can sit in evidence for up to three years while a case is examined [Elektroda, yes2mike, post #1371233] Licenses help but do not stop temporary seizure if officers suspect unlawful disclosure.
What edge cases make monitoring fail?
Digital migrations break analog scanners. When local services switch to encrypted TETRA, analog receivers hear only noise. Another failure occurs when selective squelch tones (CTCSS) hide traffic; without matching tone, a scanner stays silent even on the right frequency [Motorola Note, 2022].
How do I calculate the transmit frequency for a 5.75 MHz split channel?
Subtract 5.75 MHz from the repeater’s downlink. Example: 162.500 MHz downlink → 156.750 MHz uplink. Reverse the math to listen to mobiles. “I like to be one step above TPS” [Elektroda, medicb, post #1372867]
What are some verified public-safety frequencies shared in the thread?
• 173.15 MHz – Police, Rawicz [Elektroda, rejas, post #1354374]
• 168.675 MHz – Ambulance, Rawicz [Elektroda, rejas, post #1354374]
• 149.0375 MHz – Fire Dept., Rawicz [Elektroda, rejas, post #1354374]
• 154.800 MHz – GALAXY security, Szczecin [Elektroda, kali111, post #1328660]
• 118.500 MHz – Świdnik tower (airband) [Elektroda, Piter K., #1368601]
Always monitor responsibly and never rebroadcast content.
What’s the cheapest way to start scanning today?
A USB SDR dongle (e.g., RTL-SDR) costs ~120 zł and covers 24–1700 MHz with software like SDR# [Retail Price, 2024]. It decodes FM voice and some digital modes, but not encrypted TETRA. Traditional handheld scanners begin at 300 zł and add keypad convenience.
Will everything go digital within five years?
Probably not. While chipsets that compress voice to 9.6 kbps exist [Elektroda, bobeer, post #1330999], funding gaps slow rollout. UKE forecasts analog voice will persist in rural counties until at least 2030 [UKE, 2023].
