Home > Spectrum > Information for Radiocomms Licences > Radiocommunications Licence Information > Types of Radio Use > Mobile and Broadband > Cellular > Public Cellular Telephony

Annex 1 - Operator Information

Annex 2 - Chronology of 2G and 3G Licensing

1. Introduction

A mobile phone (Cellphone) is a wireless user station that is connected to the public phone network by a radio link rather than a fixed cable. Because of this flexibility, users of mobile phones can make or take calls almost anywhere within the UK and, through roaming onto other networks abroad. The term public means that the network is accessible to all and not for the exclusive use a closed group of people.

Cellular telephony was initially developed for mobile business communications but now also has an increasing emphasis on public social and leisure uses. Functionality has developed to the point where voice and data (such as using internet and messaging) now overlaps the data markets.

2. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)

GSM was developed to provide improved quality and flexibility over the first generation analogue mobile phone services and to standardise the technology needed to allow mobile phones to make and receive calls when the user is travelling abroad. These GSM systems are commonly referred to as second generation or “2G” and have evolved to offer many advanced technical features that are used to support a wide portfolio of services. The key advantages that GSM has over the previous analogue services are better speech quality, confidentiality, international roaming, Short Message Service “texting”, web-browsing and picture messaging.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act licences for 2G cellular services were allocated through public consultation processes in the 1980s and 1990s and licences are for an indefinite duration, subject to annual fee payments.

Four operators, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone are licensed by Ofcom to operate GSM networks. The frequency ranges used in the UK are the GSM 900 MHz and1800 MHz bands.

3. Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS)

UMTS is the Third Generation (3G) of mobile communications. UMTS provides mobile users with interactive multimedia capabilities at higher data rates. Improvements in coding and data compression technology provide better speech quality and faster data transmission.

Licences for 3G services on the UK mainland were awarded by an auction process in April 2000, continuing until 31 December 2021.

Five UK operators are licensed to operate 3G services; O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and 3 (Hutchison 3G UK Limited). The frequency ranges currently used in the UK for 3G are in the 1900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands.

4. Concurrent Spectrum Access

Following an award process in April 2006, 12 licences were issued by Ofcom for concurrent access to a single spectrum block in the 1800 MHz range.

The band was awarded on a technology neutral basis but with special provisions to ensure compatibility with GSM networks on adjacent frequency bands. All the licensees have equal rights to use the whole frequency band,

5. Channel Islands and Isle of Man

Licences for cellular telephony have also been awarded in these islands, in liaison with the respective Island regulatory authorities.

Details of UK, Channel Island and Isle of Man licensees are available in Annex 1 and a chronology of the development of 2G and 3G services in the UK is at Annex 2.

6. Policy Issues

Operators may establish, install and use radio equipment anywhere in the UK, in accordance with their Wireless Telegraphy Act licences, issued by Ofcom.  Obtaining planning permission for the physical structures that host the radio equipment is handled by the relevant local planning authorities.   Ofcom does not have statutory responsibilities for Health or Planning but has compiled the following guidance on these issues.

7. Health

The Health Protection Agency – Radiation Protection Division (HPA – http://www.hpa.org.uk, formerly known as the National Radiological Protection Board), has a statutory duty to give advice to Government on Electro-Magnetic-Fields (EMF) and health; this includes assessing the state of scientific knowledge and publishing guidelines for the safe exposure to EMF. http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1158934607693?p=1158934607693

Following publication of the report by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) (the Stewart Report) in May 2000, the Radiocommunications Agency (now a part of Ofcom) was asked by central government to measure the radio powers of cellular installations near to schools and hospitals. Ofcom completed over 400 measurements. In every case the signal strengths measured were well below the maximum exposure levels recommend by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Details of the audit programme may be found at http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/ including a registration form for requesting audits to be undertaken. Please note though that Ofcom’s remit is only the measurement (not any wider interpretation) of field strengths, to ensure compliance with ICNIRP guidance.

Following  the initial IEGMP, a UK research programme called the Link Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme ( MTHR ), was set up to look into the possible health impact of Mobile Telecommunications and details of this may be found at http://www.mthr.org.uk. The publication by the World Health Organisation on Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health fact sheet No. 304, May 2006 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html may also be of interest.

Related Sites:

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection: http:// www.icnirp.org

World Health Organisation (WHO): http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/

The UK Department of Health: http://www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en

Stewart Report ("Mobile Phones and Health"): http://www.iegmp.org.uk/

8. Planning

The responsibility for planning policy falls to the DCLG - Department for Communities and Local Government (http://www.communities.gov.uk). In particular, "Planning policy guidance note PPG8" (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ppg8) deals with telecommunications installations, including mobile phone masts. This guidance states that "Government strongly encourages telecommunications operators and local planning authorities to carry out annual discussions about rollout plans for each authority's area." Rollout plans are coordinated by the Mobile Operators Association (MOA) and a fact sheet is available at http://www.mobilemastinfo.com/information/fact_sheets/moa_annual_roll_out_a.pdf. 

Once plans have been issued, they should be available on request from local authorities.  For further information, please contact the MOA on Tel: +44 (0)20 7331 2015 or email at info@ukmoa.org.

9. Site Sharing

While Ofcom has no powers to compel operators to share sites, operators are entering into more and more site-sharing agreements where that is an attractive commercial option. However, limitations on site sharing include:

Technology: In some cases, transmission frequencies might interfere with each other;

Coverage: A particular location may give good coverage for one operator, but not another;

Visual impact: Site-sharing necessitates more than one antenna on a mast (or a cluster of masts) and, often, an increase in the height of the structure. This can be visually obtrusive, and may not be what the local community wants to see.

Further information about related policy and general advice about telecommunications masts including the extent of Ofcom’s role can be found on Ofcom’s Sitefinder website at http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/, which also shows the public cellular base stations that are notified to Ofcom as being in service on an interactive local map. The ‘Related Sites’ area from the menu bar on the left contains links to a number of sources of information that may be helpful.

10. Telecommunications Regulation

In 1984, the Telecommunications Act set the framework for a competitive market for telecoms services by abolishing BT's exclusive right to provide services.  In the early 1990s the market was opened up and a number of new national Public Telecommunications Operators (PTOs) were given licences.

For communications networks and service providers the most significant recent operational change has been the ending of the licensing regime and the withdrawal and revocation of Telecommunication Act licences. Four new EU Directives covering Framework, Authorisation, Access and Interconnection, and universal services were agreed in March 2002 with the aim of further developing a pro-competitive regulatory framework.  They were implemented on 25 July 2003.  The emphasis of these Directives is on light touch regulation, technology neutrality and greater consistency across Europe.  Provisions to implement these Directives were included in the Communications Act 2003.

Prior to the 25 July 2003 any company operating in the UK had to do so under the appropriate telecommunications licence. The process required most companies to apply to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for such a licence before being able to operate and supply services to consumers.

The licensing regime has now been replaced by a general authorisation regime with General Conditions of entitlement (that is, conditions which apply to all) and specific conditions (that is, conditions which apply to individuals).

Further information is available at:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/sectors/telecoms/telecomsreg/page10029.html

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/ioi/g_a_regime/

11. Cellular repeaters/boosters

Repeater devices that transmit or re-transmit in the cellular bands are not licensable for use in the UK because there is the potential for them, either individually or cumulatively, to cause interference to the networks’ operation or planning. ( http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/enforcement/jammers/ )

Should you require advice about the coverage or signal strength in any location, this should be discussed with the cellular provider(s) concerned, whose contact details are given below in this information sheet.

12. Cellular Jammers

Ofcom has published advice about jamming devices on the website at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/enforcement/jammers/.  Ofcom does not have the ability to licence or otherwise authorise use of apparatus under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 where such licensing or authorisation would be incompatible with EU Directives.  Because of the way in which jamming devices operate the use of them will cause offences to be committed under Sections 8 and 68 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.

The mobile network operators themselves may have technical or software solutions that might be considered.  The Mobile Operators’ Association may be able to advise on this or, alternatively, individual operators.

The Mobile Operators’ Association is at Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London WC1B 5EE, Tel: +44 (0)20 7331 2015, e-mail: info@ukmoa.org, web: http://www.mobilemastinfo.com

If you have any further queries relating to cellular telephony in the UK, please call our contact centre on 0300 123 3333 or Email: contact@ofcom.org.uk

13. Frequency plans

A searchable UK Plan for Frequency Authorisation is available on Ofcom’s website at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/isu/ukpfa/?view=Search+form

The GSM and 3G frequency plans used by operators across Europe (including the UK) may be found at http://www.ero.dk/gsm & http://www.ero.dk/umts

14. Frequencies

The following frequency bands are currently licensed for GSM cellular telephony in the UK :

 

	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	880 - 915	925 - 960
GSM 1800	1710 - 1781.5	1805 - 1876.5
3G	2110 - 2170	1920 - 1980
	1900 - 1920 transmit / receive in Time Division Duplex
Concurrent Spectrum Access	1781.7 - 1785	1876.7 - 1880

 

O2 (UK) LIMITED	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	885.1 - 890.1	930.1 - 935.1
	894.7 - 902.3	939.7 - 947.3
	910.1 - 914.9	955.1 - 959.9
GSM 1800	1710.1 - 1715.9	1805.1 - 1810.9
	(Total GSM: 2x23.2 MHz)
3G	1934.9 - 1944.9	2124.9 - 2134.9
	1909.9 - 1914.9 (Time Division Duplex)

 

VODAFONE LIMITED	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	880.1 - 885.1	925.1 - 930.1
	890.1 - 894.7	935.1 - 939.7
	902.3 - 910.1	947.3 - 955.1
GSM 1800	1715.9 - 1721.7	1810.9 - 1816.7
	(Total GSM: 2x23.2 MHz)
3G	1944.9 - 1959.7	2134.9 - 2149.7

 

ORANGE	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 1800	1751.7 - 1781.7	1846.7 - 1876.7
	(Total GSM: 2x30 MHz)
3G	1969.7 - 1979.7	2159.7 - 2169.7
	1904.9 - 1909.9 (Time Division Duplex)

 

T-MOBILE (UK) LIMITED	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 1800	1721.7 - 1751.7	1816.7 - 1846.7
	(Total GSM: 2x30 MHz)
3G	1959.7 - 1969.7	2149.7 - 2159.7
	1899.9 - 1904.9 (Time Division Duplex)

 

HUTCHISON 3G UK LIMITED	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
3G	1920.0 - 1934.9	2110.3 - 2124.9
	1914.9 - 1920.0 (Time Division Duplex)

Isle of Man – LICENCES

 

Cable & Wireless Isle of Man Limited	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	890.1 - 900.1	935.1 - 945.1
GSM 1800	1724.1 - 1729.1	1819.1 - 1824.1
3G	1935.0 - 1945.0	2125.0 - 2135.0
	1910.0 - 1915.0 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Manx Telecom Limited	Base receive (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	901.0 - 914.8	946.0 - 959.8
3G	1920.3 - 1930.3	2110.3 - 2120.3
	1914.9 - 1919.9 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Cloud 9 Mobile Communications Plc	Base recieve (MHz )	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 1800	1710.7 - 1720.7	1805.7 - 1815.7
3G	1950.0 - 1960.0	2140.0 - 2150.0
	1900.0 - 1905.0 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Jersey LICENCES

 

Jersey Telecom Limited	Base recieve (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	890.1 - 914.9	935.1 - 959.9
GSM 1800	1769.9 - 1781.5	1864.9 - 1876.5
3G	1945.0 - 1950.0	2135.0 - 2140.0
	1910.0 - 1915.0 (Time Division Duplex)

 

COLT Telecom Jersey Limited	Base recieve (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 1800	1740.3 - 1742.3	1835.3 - 1837.3
	1750.3 - 1753.3	1845.3 - 1848.3
3G	1925.0 - 1930.0	2115.0 - 2120.0
	1900.0 - 1905.0 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Cable & Wireless Jersey Limited	Base recieve (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	885.1 - 890.1	930.1 - 935.1
GSM 1800	1730.1 - 1738.3	1825.1 - 1833.3
	1745.5 - 1747.3	1840.5 - 1842.3
3G	1960.0 - 1965.0	2150.0 - 2155.0
	1915.0 - 1920.0 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Jersey Airtel Limited	Base recieve (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	880.1 - 885.1	925.1 - 930.1
GSM 1800	1738.3 - 1740.3	1833.3 - 1835.3
	1747.3 - 1750.3	1842.3 - 1845.3
3G	1935.0 - 1940.0	2125.0 - 2130.0
	1905.0 - 1910.0 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Guernsey

 

Wave Telecom Limited	Base recieve (MHz )	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	880.1 - 889.9	925.1 - 934.9
GSM 1800	1715.1 - 1725.1	1810.1 - 1820.1
3G	1949.7 - 1959.7	2139.7 - 2149.7
	1904.9 - 1909.9 (Time Division Duplex)

 

Guernsey Airtel Limited	Base recieve (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 1800	1724.9 - 1730.1	1819.9 - 1825.1
	1742.3 - 1743.3	1837.3 - 1838.3
3G	1970.0 - 1980.0	2160.0 - 2170.0

 

Cable & Wireless Guernsey Limited	Base recieve (MHz)	Base transmit (MHz)
GSM 900	890.1 - 914.9	935.1 - 959.9

15. FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on cellular and radio networks can be found on the following web pages:

Ofcom: http://www.ofcom.org.uk

Ofcom’s Sitefinder (Mobile Phone Base Station): http://www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder/

Ofcom’s Spectrum Licensing Portal: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/isu/ukpfa/intro

Ofcom’s Spectrum awards: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/

Department of Trade and Industry: http://www.berr.gov.uk/sectors/telecoms/telecomsmobile/page10031.html

Office of Public Sector Information: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/

European Radio Office: http:// www.ero.dk

The Channel Islands / Isle of Man

Guernsey Office of Utility Regulation (OUR)

http://www.regutil.gg/

Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA)

http://www.jcra.je/

The Isle of Man Communications Commission

http://www.gov.im/government/boards/cc.xml

Annex 1 - Operator Information

SECOND GENERATION MOBILE OPERATORS (2G / GSM)

O2 ( UK ) LIMITED
260 Bath Road
Slough
Berkshire SL1 4DX

Tel: +44 (0)113 272 2000
Fax: +44 (0)1753 565010
Web: http://www.o2.co.uk/

VODAFONE LIMITED
Vodafone House
The Connection
Newbury
Berkshire RG14 2FN

Tel: +44 (0)1635 33251
Fax: +44 (0)1635 45713
Web: http://www.vodafone.co.uk/

ORANGE
Orange Personal Communication Services Ltd
St James Court, Great Park Road
Almondsbury Park
Bradley Stoke
Bristol BS32 4QJ

Tel: +44 (0)1454 624600
Fax: +44 (0)1454 618501
Web: http://www.orange.co.uk/

T-MOBILE ( UK ) LIMITED
Hatfield Business Park
Hatfield
Hertfordshire AL10 9BW

Tel: +44 (0) 1707 315000
Fax: +44 (0)1707 289301

Web: http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/

THIRD GENERATION MOBILE OPERATORS (3G)

HUTCHISON 3G UK LIMITED
Star House, 20 Grenfell Road
Maidenhead
SL6 1EH

Tel: +44 (0)1628 765 000
Web: http://www.three.co.uk

VODAFONE LIMITED
The Connection
Newbury
Berkshire RG13 1JL

Tel: +44 (0)1635 33251
Fax: +44 (0)1635 45713
Web: http://www.vodafone.co.uk

02 ( UK ) LIMITED
260 Bath Road
Slough
Berkshire SL1 4DX

Tel: +44 (0)113 272 2000
Fax: +44 (0)1753 504504
Web: http://www.o2.co.uk

T. MOBILE ( UK) LIMITED
Hatfield Business Park
Hatfield
Hertfordshire ALIO 9BW

Tel: +44 (0)1707 315000
Fax: +44 (0)1707 289301
Web: http://www.t-mobile.co.uk

ORANGE
Orange Personal Communication Services Ltd
St James Court, Great Park Road
Almondsbury Park, Bradley Stoke
Bristol BS32 4QJ

Tel: +44 (0)1454 624600
Fax: +44 (0)1454 618501
Web: http://www.orange.co.uk/

CONCURRENT SPECTRUM ACCESS

BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLC
BT Centre
81 Newgate Street
London
EC1A 7AJ

Tel: 020 7356 5000
Fax: 0190 886 1909
Web: http://www.bt.com

CABLE AND WIRELESS UK ( England )
7 th Floor
The Point
37 North Wharf Road
Paddington Basin
London
W2 1LA

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7315 4000
Web: http://www.cw.com/new/

COLT MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
15 St Botolph Street
London
EC3A 7QN

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7390 3900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7390 3901
Web: http://www.colt.net/uk/en

CYBERPRESS LIMITED
1 st Floor
The Economist Building
25 St James’s Street
London SW1A 1HA

Web: http://www.pipexwireless.com/index.php

FMS SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Old Mews
32 High Street
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG19 3JD

Phone 01635 866678
Fax  01635 860008
Web: http://www.fmsgroup.co.uk

MAPESBURY COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
8 Station Road
Watford
Herts
WD17 1EG

Tel: 02071893900
Fax: 01923630445
Web: http://www.mapesbury.com

O2 ( UK ) LIMITED
260 Bath Road
Slough, Berkshire
SL1 4DX

Tel: +44 (0)113 272 2000
Fax: +44 (0)1753 504504
Web: http://www.o2.co.uk

OPAL TELECOM LIMITED
Stanford House
Garrett Field
Birchwood
Warrington
WA3 7BH

Tel: 0845 330 3456
Fax: 0845 330 6789
Web: http://www.opaltelecom.co.uk/

PLDT ( UK ) LIMITED
3 rd Floor
142 Charing Cross Road
London
WC2H 0LB

Tel: 020 7240 6010
Fax: 020 7240 6064
Web: http://www.pldtuk.com/

SHYAM TELECOM UK LIMITED

Web: http://www.shyamtelecom.com  / http://www.hellorainbow.com/aboutus.asp

ONEPHONE ( UK ) LIMITED
Langbaurgh Hall
Great Ayton
North Yorkshire
TS9 6QQ

Tel: +44 020 7036 9970
Fax: +44 020 7036 9971
Web: http:// www.onephone.org.uk

TELEWARE PLC
TeleWare House
York Road
Thirsk North
Yorkshire YO7 3BX

Tel: 01845 521133
Email: http://www.privatemobilenetworks.com/

Concurrent Spectrum Access licences are tradable. Contact details and addresses for all are available from the Spectrum Licensing Portal on

Ofcom’s website at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/isu/ukpfa/intro

To access the company details, select the Wireless Telegraphy Act Register (http://146.101.202.225/public-tnr/wtrSearch.do) and search for the relevant frequency range.

CHANNEL ISLANDS and ISLE OF MAN (2G)

Cellular operators who provide services on the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

GUERNSEY

CABLE & WIRELESS GUERNSEY LIMITED
Telephone House, Upland Road
St Peter Port
Guernsey
Channel Islands
GY1 3AB

Tel: +44 (0)1481 700700
Fax: +44 (0)1481 724640
Web: http://www.cwguernsey.com/main/

WAVE TELECOM LIMITED
38 Commercial Arcade
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1LB

Tel: +44 (0) 1481 818181
Web: http://www.wavetelecom.com/

JERSEY

CABLE & WIRELESS JERSEY LIMITED
Ground Floor, 3 Britannia Place
St Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands JE2 4SU

Tel: +44 (0) 1534 888 291
Web: http://www.cw.com/jersey/

JERSEY TELENET LIMITED
22 Grenville Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE4 8PX

Tel: +44 1543 609339
http://www.bharti.com/

COLT TELECOM JERSEY LIMITED
La Motte Chambers
St Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands
JE1 1BJ

Tel: +44 207 947 1036

ISLE OF MAN

MANX TELECOM LIMITED
Isle of Man Business Park
Cooil Road
Bradden
Isle of Man
IM99 1HX

Tel: +44 (0)1624 633633
Web: http://www.manx-telecom.com/

CABLE & WIRELESS ISLE OF MAN LIMITED
Cable & Wireless
7 th Floor, The Point
37 North Wharf Road
Paddington Basin
London W2 1LA

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7315 4000
http://www.cw.com

CHANNEL ISLANDS and ISLE OF MAN (3G)

3G cellular operators who provide services on the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

GUERNSEY

WAVE TELECOM LIMITED
38 Commercial Arcade
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1LB

Tel: +44 (0) 1481 818181
Web: http://www.wavetelecom.com/

JERSEY

CABLE & WIRELESS JERSEY LIMITED
Ground Floor, 3 Britannia Place
St Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands JE2 4SU

Tel: +44 (0) 1534 888 291
Web: http://www.cw.com/jersey/

JERSEY TELECOM LIMITED
No 1 The Forum
Grenville Street
St Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands JE4 8PB

http://www.jerseytelecom.com/

JERSEY TELENET LIMITED
22 Grenville Street
St Helier
Jersey JE4 8PX

Tel: +44 1543 609339
http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/net_jeba.shtml
http://www.bharti.com/

COLT TELECOM JERSEY LIMITED
La Motte Chambers
St Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands JE1 1BJ

Tel: +44 207 947 1036

ISLE OF MAN

MANX TELECOM LIMITED
P.O.Box 100
Douglas
IM99 1HX

Tel: +44 (0)1624 633633
Web: http://www.manx-telecom.com/

CABLE & WIRELESS ISLE OF MAN LIMITED
Cable & Wireless
7 th Floor, The Point
37 North Wharf Road
Paddington Basin
London W2 1LA

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7315 4000
http://www.cw.com

Annex 2 - Chronology of 2G and 3G Licensing

Table 1: History of Cellular Services in the UK
Pre- 1985 1985	The only two way mobile communications service available to the public was the radiotelephone system run by British Telecom. In 1985, the Government licensed two national operators, Cellnet (Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio) and Racal-Vodafone to provide a cellular radio service in the UK. Cellnet (Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio) and Racal-Vodafone awarded licences through an open competitive process to offer analogue cellular phones in the band 890 - 905 / 935 - 950 MHz.
1986	The Department of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Defence announce on 28 August 1986 award of further spectrum in 872 - 888 / 917 - 933 MHz to Cellnet (Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio) and Racal-Vodafone for use in central London to increase capacity. (DTI Press Notice: 86/613 - More Spectrum for Cellular Radio in London).
1987	DTI confirm ( 14 August 1987 ) that Cellnet (Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio) and Racal-Vodafone will provide the UK part of the Pan- European digital cellular radio service (GSM). (DTI Press Notice: 87/476 Pan - European Cellular Radio Operators).
1988	First demonstration of a prototype digital mobile telephone system that could operate anywhere in Europe, 18 February 1988. (DTI Press Notice: 88/115 - Britain takes lead in Cellular Radiophones).
1988	Lord Young, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announces plans for “Telepoint”. A new service which allows subscribers to make telephone calls from public places using a portable cordless telephone, 28 July 1988. (DTI Press Notice: 88/573 - Lord Young announces plans for Next Generation of Cordless Phones).
1988	Lord Young, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announces 250,000th Subscriber to Racal Vodafone and growth in telecommunications markets, 28 November 1988. (DTI Press Notice: 88/864 - Personal Communications heading for big bang says Lord Young)
1988	Late 1988, the combined number of subscribers on the Cellnet (Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio) and Racal-Vodafone networks passes 500,000 with coverage exceeding 90% of where the population lives.
1989	DTI announces in January 1989 that out of 11 applicants Telecommunication Act licences would be awarded to the BYPS Consortium (Philips, Barclays and Shell), Ferranti, Mercury Callpoint and Phonepoint to run telepoint services.
1989	DTI outlines plans for the future of the UK 's mobile communications services, 26 January 1989. (DTI Press Notice: 89/43 - Mobile Communications a brief outline).
1989	Lord Young, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announces boost for mobile phones and publication of the consultation document “Phones on the move, Personal Communications in the 1990s”, 26 January 1989. (DTI Press Notice: 89/52 - Lord Young announces boost for mobile phones).
1989	28 April 1989 consultation document “Phones on the move, Personal Communications in the 1990s” closes. Over 2000 copies were sent out and 56 responses were received. (DTI Press Notice: 89/466 - Lord Young calls for applications to run "Phones on the Move").
1989	Lord Young, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry sets out the next steps to take mobile personal telephones in the UK into the next decade. He announces the way in which operators will be selected to run the new personal communication networks ( PCN 's) in the 1.7 - 2.3 GHz band to compete with the two existing operators and applications are invited, 22 June 1989. (DTI Press Notice: 89/466 - Lord Young calls for applications to run “Phones on the Move”).
1989	Nicholas Ridley, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announces the response to the Government's call for applications to run Personal Communications Networks ( PCN ). There were 8 responses, 14 September 1989. (DTI Press Notice: 89/650 - Nicolas Ridley announces licence applications for Personal Communications Networks of the 1990s).
1989	DTI announces improvements to the “Total Access Communications System (TACS)” specification to improve signalling and call reliability, 8 November 1989. (DTI Press Notice: 89/764 - New specification for the Total Access Communications System (TACS)).
1989	Eric Forth, Minister for Trade and Industry announced licences to develop and operate PCN 's in the UK would be offered to Mercury Personal Communications Network ( PCN ) Ltd, Microtel Communications Ltd (a consortium of British Aerospace, Matra Communication, Millicom UK and Pacific Telesis UK (3) Ltd) and Unitel Personal Communications Ltd, 11 December 1989.
1990	Peter Lilley, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announces agreement between the three licensed PCN operators to work together and co-operate in developing a common technical framework for PCN services in the UK and Europe. The new standard is to be known as DCS 1800. They will be expected to support the development of DCS 1800 and the provision of a common set of channels within the frequency band 1710 - 1880 MHz to allow roaming on an international basis, 23 August 1990. (DTI Press Notice: P/90/508 - Peter Lilley welcomes cooperation between PCN operators).
1990	13 November 1990, the Government proposes to end existing telecommunications duopoly and consider applications for new licences from companies wanting to provide telecommunication services. This proposal is contained in the consultation document “Competition and Choice in the 90's- Telecommunications Duopoly Review”. (DTI Press Notice: P/90/670 - Competition and choice in the 90s - Telecommunications duopoly review Peter Lilley sets out proposals for the future).
1991	Licences issued under Section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 are awarded to Mercury Personal Communications Network ( PCN ) Ltd, Microtel Communications Ltd and Unitel Personal Communications Ltd, 9 July 1991.
1992	Mercury PCN and Unitel merge operations and rename themselves Mercury Personal Communications Ltd. DTI seeks proposals on future uses of the spectrum freed through merger. (DTI Press Notice: P/92/668 - Innovate proposals sought for Radio Spectrum released by merger).
1992	Rabbit telepoint service begins in May 1992.
1993	DTI announces on 15th June 1993 that due to no interest in a third national PCN operator the spectrum released as a result of the merger of Mercury PCN and Unitel will not be allocated before April 1995. (DTI Press Notice: P/93/321 - Radio Spectrum to be held back until at least April 1995).
1993	Mercury Personal Communications Ltd (trade name Mercury One-2-One) launches digital PCN service, initially within the boundary of the M25, in September 1993.
1993	Rabbit telepoint service ends in December 1993.
1994	Hutchison's Orange launches digital PCN services in April 1994.
1994	Cellnet and Vodafone launch digital (GSM) services.
1996	DTI announces on 23 February 1996 proposals for mobile spectrum over the next decade to maintain the growth and competitive nature of the UK mobile phone market. (DTI Press Notice: P/96/137 - DTI's proposal for mobile radio spectrum over the next decade).
1996	DTI confirms key proposals to provide a clear strategy on radio frequency allocations for mobile phone services, 16 July 1996. (DTI Press Notice: P/96/554 - DTI confirms new mobile phone services and continued security for PCN Operators). Vodafone and Cellnet allocated channels to develop dual mode handsets; Additional spectrum reserved for the two PCN Operators; Vodafone and Cellnet to close analogue network by 2005.
1996	DTI and Radiocommunications Agency instigate the creation of the UK Third Generation Mobile Group (UK3GMG). A forum for operators and manufacturers to build consensus towards a UK vision for third generation systems.
1996	The Radiocommunications Agency announces on 31 October 1996 that the 888 - 889 MHz band for low power and anti-theft devices will be withdrawn. This change was part of the ERC Detailed Spectrum Investigation (DSI) to make more spectrum available for the growing GSM market. (Press Notice - Radiocommunications Agency P/96/812 - Withdrawal of 888 - 889 MHz Low Power Service).
1997	Mrs Barbara Roche, Minister for Industry launches consultation on the framework for licensing operators to provide the UK 's Third Generation of mobile communications systems for the next millennium. (DTI Press Notice - Barbara Roche 31 July 1997).
1997	1 October 1997 The Wireless Telegraphy (Network user Stations) (Exemption) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No.2137), came into force to exempt end user equipment for cellular and other mobile services from licensing under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. These Regulations were developed by the Radiocommunications Agency to formalise the de facto licence exemption which operated for a number of years.
1997	1997 DTI receives positive responses from industry to its consultation on the framework for licensing operators to provide the UK 's Third Generation of mobile communications systems. (DTI Press Notice - Barbara Roche, Minister for Industry, 18 November l997).
1998	1998 Barbara Roche, Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, in a written answer to a Parliamentary Question from Patricia Hewitt MP (Leicester West) confirmed the UK 's position at the forefront of the third generation of mobile telecommunications. (DTI Press Release - 18 May 1998).
1999	1999 DTI announces conditions for BT to Take Part and Conditions for Removing a Shareholding Restriction in Cellnet. (DTI Press Release - 29 January 1999).
1999	DTI Sets out progress towards 3G Auction. (DTI Press Release - 9th February).
1999	19 April 1999, The Wireless Telegraphy (Network user Stations) (Exemption) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 no.2137) are amalgamated into the general The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No.930).
2000	Patricia Hewitt, the Small Business and E-commerce Minister names the applicants for 3G Mobile Licence Auction. (RA Press Release - 12 January 2000).
2000	2000 Patricia Hewitt, the E-commerce and Small Business Minister today confirmed that all thirteen applicants for the 3G mobile spectrum auctions have qualified to participate. (DTI Press Notice - P/2000/99, 15 February 2000).
2000	Patricia Hewitt, Minister for E-commerce and Small Business confirms that the 3G mobile auction will start on Monday 6 March. (RA Press Release - 6 March 2000).
2000	Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade & Industry announces 3G Mobile Licence winners. (RA DTI Press Release: P/2000/296 - 27 April 2000).
2000	Radiocommunications Agency Issues 3G Licences to One 2 One Ltd (Now T-Mobile ( UK ) Ltd) and TIW Ltd (Now Hutchison 3G UK Ltd). (RA Press Release: RA/PN/2000/10 - 9 May 2000).
2000	Radiocommunications Agency Issues 3G Licence to BT3G Ltd (Now O2 ( UK ) Ltd). (RA Press Release: RA/PN/2000/11 - 16 May 2000).
2000	Radiocommunications Agency Issues 3G Licences to Vodafone Ltd and Orange 3G Ltd (currently known as Orange Ltd). (RA Press Release: RA/PN/2000/16- 1 September 2000)
2001	Cellnet & Vodafone ceased their analogue services in summer 2001 ahead of the 2005 deadline. Analogue spectrum converted to GSM digital spectrum.
2006	Following an award process in April 2006, 12 licences were issued by Ofcom for concurrent access to a single spectrum block in the 1800 MHz range. http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/completedawards/award_1781/notices/030506.pdf

 

Back to top