Business Review 1996/1997 - The International Scene and Frequency Policy

Starting in the middle of 1996, the National Frequency Policy Unit (NFPU) assisted the Agency's Bill Team in the application of spectrum pricing to government departments, by establishing a calculation mechanism for the Home Office and Ministry of Defence.

The Unit was instrumental in finding a solution to the potential clash between trans-horizon links and TFTS (airborne cellphones) and in arranging the release of spectrum for UMTS (3rd generation cellular telephones). The UK Spectrum Information Sheets were re-issued in full in June 1996.

On the European scene, the project team dealing with the consideration of the Detailed Spectrum Investigation Phase II (DSI 2) wound up its work with the UK playing a major role throughout. One of the products of this work was the identification of the frequency band 863-864 MHz for cordless headphone applications.

A CEPT Recommendation on bands for Short Range Devices (SRDs) was adopted in early 1997, covering many bands in the VHF/UHF range.

Work commenced at the start of 1997 on identifying possible harmonised bands for Multimedia Wireless Systems, encompassing all types of point-to-multipoint systems.

	Decision on the Publication of National Tables of Frequency Allocations for the various CEPT countries.
	Decision on extension bands for the GSM Digital Pan-European Communications System at 900 MHz.
	Decision on the adoption of approval regulations for 38 GHz analogue video and digital fixed link equipment.
	Decision on the adoption of approval regulations for 23 GHz analogue video and digital fixed link equipment.
	Decisions on the adoption of approval regulations for both wide-band audio link and wireless microphone equipment throughout the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range.
	Decision on the adoption of approval regulations for wide-band spread spectrum data transmission equipment operating in the frequency range 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz (RLANs).
	Decision on the adoption of approval regulations for CT2 cordless telephone equipment in the frequency range 864.1 MHz to 868.1 MHz.
	Decision on the adoption of approval regulations for on-site paging equipment.
	Decision on the adoption of approval regulations for maritime radiotelephone transmitters and receivers in the frequency range 156 MHz to 174 MHz.
	Decision on the harmonised frequency band to be designated for Social Alarm Systems.
	Decision on the frequency bands for the introduction of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).
	Decision on the management of the Schiever Plan for the Terrestrial Flight Telecommunications System (TFTS).

During the European preparations for WRC-97, the Unit played a major role in identifying spectrum that could be used by wind profiler radars, balancing the needs of the meteorological community with the need to protect existing users.

In the national site and frequency area the loss of the R1 Fast Registers computer for several months meant that site and frequency requests were handled manually. With the help and understanding of customers, a satisfactory level of service was provided and this area has been running normally for most of the latter half of 1996.

A significant help in the site clearance area was the agreement early in 1996 that the procedure should be amended so that services could be assessed with a view to exempting them, wherever possible, from the need for site clearance. Exemption has so far been agreed for Fixed Links and VSATS which meet certain power and height criteria. This has resulted in much improved response times for the licensing of these services in line with customer needs in a competitive market.

Another significant step forward has been the conversion of the site and frequency output from paper and microfiche to diskette and CD-ROM. This change allows the recipients the facility of carrying out computer-based assessments and searches. Although basic search routines have been supplied on the CD-ROM, customers can generate local software routines to suit their individual needs. Customer response to this change has been very positive.

Work is well in hand to allow electronic input on both the site and frequency activities and this work is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 1997.

There has been significant growth in the satellite co-ordination activities due to the number of satellite filings submitted directly through the UK (particularly Gibraltar). The Unit has also introduced a satellite 'due diligence' procedure in an effort to ensure that only viable satellite projects are submitted to the ITU. This is in line with global concerns on the ever increasing 'paper' satellite problem. Satellite co-ordination work is expected to increase significantly in 1997/98, but under the new arrangements the attendance at meetings will be shared with other business units. A new group named the International Co-ordination Consultative Group (ICCG) has been formed to deal with all co-ordination issues and agree representation at meetings.

The level of support to UK Dependent Territories has increased due to these territories having to come to grips with the rapidly expanding telecommunications services under their jurisdiction. In many areas the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has reduced its aid commitment and the Dependent Territories are looking to the telecommunications market to provide revenue.