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Community Audio Distribution Services (CADS): FAQs

1. What are CADS?

CADS are Community Audio Distribution Services. These are usually community based services that use standard CB Equipment operating at low power levels.

Groups using CADS may transmit live community events, such as religious services or council meetings, using Citizens’ Band (CB) Radio equipment. They may not carry commercial messages of any kind, are for intermittent use and only available to broadcast to the public in a geographically local area.

2. Where did the CADS trials take place?

Ofcom conducted a number of trials in Northern Ireland and West Yorkshire which concluded in March 2007. The trials were successful with over 100 organisations offering CADS services to groups in their local community.

3. Why has Ofcom made these services licence exempt?

This exemption will remove an unnecessary regulatory burden on groups using these services, making them much easier to use.

4. Who will be able to use these services?

Any community users may operate these services provided the equipment they use complies with the provisions of the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 and the Broadcasting Act 1990 (Independent Radio Services Exceptions) Order 2007.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/isu/licence_exempt/regulations/wtexemption1106.pdf

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si2007/20070272.htm

5. What equipment do you need to operate this service?

CADS operators and those wanting to listen to broadcasts need to use standard CB radio equipment.

Radio equipment being used must be compliant with the UK Interface Requirement IR 2027, which details technical parameters for operation, and carry a European “CE” mark.

Details of UK Radio Interface Requirements are available at:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/tech/interface_req/uk2027.pdf

6. Will Ofcom investigate cases of interference?

If equipment is found to be causing interference with other users, Ofcom will investigate to ensure that services are operating in accordance with exemption regulations.

7. Where can I find further information?

Operating tips on using CB radio can be found at:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/citizen/

You can also contact Ofcom if you have any questions about CADS or CB Radio:

Ofcom Licensing Centre
PO Box 56373
London
SE1 9SZ

Tel: 020 7981 3131
Fax: 020 7981 3333
Textphone: 020 7981 3043 – Please note that it is necessary to use special Textphone equipment in order to access this service.

E-mail: licensingcentre@ofcom.org.uk