Home > Research and Market Data > Telecoms research > Reports and Research > Mobile Services on Aircraft > Summary of stakeholder views

Executive Summary

Radio spectrum is a vital input to electronic communication services and networks and a major asset to the UK. One of Ofcom’s primary statutory duties is to ensure the optimal use of the electromagnetic spectrum in the interests of citizens and consumers, while having regard to the desirability of promoting competition and the development of innovative services. It is essential that the regulatory regime for spectrum is able to respond to changes in the demand for and use of spectrum in the UK.

Ofcom was approached by stakeholders from the avionic and telecommunications sectors suggesting that Ofcom should review the wireless telegraphy licensing regime in order to help facilitate the provision and use of mobile services on aircraft Ofcom published a discussion document, “Mobile Services on Aircraft”, on 10 April 2006. The discussion period for this document closed on 23 June 2006.

This document summarises the comments made by stakeholders and sets out Ofcom’s view of the way forward. In particular it reflects the consensus amongst stakeholders that progress should be made multilaterally with other countries rather than the UK taking any unilateral action. This is likely to facilitate the development of an internationally agreed approach and therefore the introduction of services.

This document only covers the issues relevant to Ofcom’s area of responsibility. EASA and the CAA will consider separately, the airworthiness safety aspects and other issues raised by the proposed services. The introduction of any services cannot be provided until the requirements of those bodies have been satisfied.

This document does not discuss the substance of the policy issues relating to the deployment of mobile services on aircraft as Ofcom is still considering its approach to these issues in the light of responses to the discussion document and other views expressed by stakeholders.

A common approach to authorisation across the EU is being developed but is not likely to be complete before mid-2007. In parallel, the wide range of regulatory issues outside Ofcom’s responsibility are being explored by the relevant authorities in the UK and worldwide: it is not yet clear when these will be concluded.

Ofcom expects to issue a further consultation document on these issues when the European and CAA / EASA processes are further advanced. No services can be provided until these regulatory decisions have been taken and implemented.

Structure of this document

This document sets out the issues raised in relation to the questions asked in the Discussion paper. Sections 3 and 4 summarise the answers and conclusions to each question. Section 5 details recent European developments and section 6 sets out Ofcom’s view on the way forward.

The full document is available below:

• Mobile Services on Aircraft - Summary of stakeholder views about the introduction of mobile services on aircraft [pdf]
  Full Print Version

Back to top