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Introduction

Summary of proposals to support simpler licensing

1.1 Ofcom is required to make statutory regulations in order to make or change fees for Wireless Telegraphy Licences (the licences under which use of radio spectrum equipment is authorised). This consultation concerns a number of deregulatory proposals for removing or simplifying fees, expected to start from 1 October 2006.

1.2 Ofcom proposes the following changes to fees-

Class of licence	Current fees	New fees
Amateur radio	£15 per year. Free for amateurs under 21 and over 75 years of age.	Free, for lifetime of licence, if obtained via internet. £20, for lifetime of licence, if not obtained via internet. Concessions for age will not be applicable for licences obtained this way. (Note free option via internet). Existing licensees will be granted free replacement lifetime licence.
Amateur radio variations (e.g. authorising repeaters or internet gateway connections)	Free	Free
Ship radio	£20	Free, for lifetime of licence, if obtained via internet. £20, for lifetime of licence, if not obtained via internet. Concessions for qualifying charities will not apply to licences obtained this way (Note free option via internet). Existing licensees will be granted free replacement lifetime licence.
Ship portable radio	£15	As above
Citizens’ band radio	£15	Free, assuming Ofcom will also make related exemption regulations (separate consultation to be issued shortly).

1.3 This consultation covers proposed changes to licenses previously managed by the Radio Licensing Centre (i.e. amateur radio, ship radio, ship portable radio and citizens’ band radio licences).

1.4 The proposals follow Ofcom’s policy statement to introduce lifetime licences announced on 14 February 2006. Ofcom announced that where possible, it would encourage licences to be issued via the internet.

1.5 Ofcom believes that these new proposed arrangements will significantly benefit individuals and businesses, saving them time and money, reducing the administrative burden on spectrum users and simplifying the application process (see Impact Assessment on page 6).

1.6 Ofcom intends to publish other consultations shortly which will address light usage of business radio spectrum, changes to other Wireless Telegraphy fees and further licence exemption.

1.7 Any comments about the proposals in this consultation should be sent to SpectrumPricing@ofcom.org.uk by 16 May 2006.

The full document is available below:

• Wireless Telegraphy Act Licence Fee Proposals for encouraging internet licensing [pdf]
  Full Print Version

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