Proposals to insert a new condition into telecoms operators' licences to control the effect of electromagentic interference have been announced today by Oftel.

Technologies that use radio frequencies to transmit high-speed data across networks, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, have the potential to interfere with wireless systems, for example radio broadcast services. These technologies can also cause interference between systems where a number of operators are using the same network, such as in local loop unbundling.

Oftel proposes to insert a new condition into operators' licences that will require them to take reasonable steps to reduce any interference being caused by their equipment.

Faulty equipment or poor installation of apparatus can lead to interference on other systems and services, although the roll-out of new technologies has not given rise to any significant interference issues to date.

The proposed licence condition is part of a package of measures, announced by the Government last year, aimed at reassuring radio spectrum users over the effects of possible interference caused by telecoms systems.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said today,

"With the roll-out of new services that use emerging technologies, there is the potential for electromagnetic interference with other systems, such as radio services.

"The proposed new licence condition ensures that telecoms operators have to take reasonable and sensible steps to remove the source of any harmful interference, if it occurs.

"It will give increased confidence to radio spectrum users and all operators who share networks, such as those using BT's network via local loop unbundling.

"Oftel's proposals are a sensible way of achieving a balance between the needs of telecoms and radio spectrum users".

Electromagnetic interference caused by these technologies particularly affect the Long Wave (LW) and Medium Wave (MW) frequency ranges. Mobile phones operate at a much higher frequency and are not affected by this type of interference.

The consultation period will run until 16 November 2001.

Notes to Editors

1. The consultation document, Consultation on a new licence condition addressing harmful interferenece caused by telecommunication systems, is available on Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/licensing/2001/rfi0801.htm. Hard copies are available to the media from Oftel's press office on 020 7634 8991 and to the public from the Research and Intelligence Unit on 020 7634 8761.

2. On 9 November 2000, the Government announced a package of measures to address the effects of possible interference from certain types of high-speed data technologies. Among these was a set of limits, known as MPT 1570, to be implemented under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, which would define levels of undue interference to radio use. This MPT 1570 standard will help to prevent the most serious interference and will allow the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) to take steps to ensure its adherence (see www.radio.gov.uk/topics/broadband_non-radio/index.htm). However, adherence to this standard will not necessarily prevent all interference, in particular to reception of Medium Wave (MW) broadcasts, from interference caused by high speed fixed network systems, such as DSL. Therefore, to complement the other elements of the package, the Director General for Telecommunications (the Director General) proposes to take powers to place an obligation on the operators of DSL systems to take reasonably practicable steps to remove any interference caused.

3. In October 2000, Oftel determined the Access Network Frequency Plan (ANFP) for BT's access network as part of the local loop unbundling process (www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/local_loop/anfp1000.htm). The ANFP is a specification designed to control interference within BT's access network. All operators who use BT's network are currently required, by contract, to operate their equipment in accordance with the ANFP. If an interference dispute between two or more operators, that are using BT's network, can not be resolved it can be referred to Oftel. This proposed licence condition would provide Oftel with the necessary powers to ensure that all operators adhere to the ANFP.