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The Future of the 418 MHz Band for Licence Exempt Equipment |
Press Release 21st December 1999
The Radiocommunications Agency has announced a forthcoming change in the use of the 417.9 to 418.1MHz band, known as the 418 MHz band, which is currently allocated for use by Short Range Devices (SRDs). From 31st December 2007, this band will be reassigned for use by terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA). Short-range devices are currently allowed to operate on the 418 MHz band on a licence-exempt basis and without protection from interference from licensed radio services.
SRD equipment certified under the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive before 31 December 2002 may continue to be sold and used in the UK until 31 December 2007. After this date, SRD equipment using the 418 MHz band may no longer be sold for use in the UK, but equipment already in use may continue to operate within the band, provided that it does not cause interference to the TETRA network.
Between 1st January 2003 and 31st December 2007, depending on demand, further allocations may be made for TETRA in the paired bands 415 to 420 MHz / 425 to 430 MHz, avoiding 418 MHz. Short range devices will not be given protection from interference from the TETRA network operating in channels adjacent to the 418 MHz band.
The Agency recognises the very real concerns of the low power radio community in response to this change. Details of alternative European harmonised frequencies for SRDs are available in the Agency’s Short Range Device information sheet RA 114, available on the RA website at: www.radio.gov.uk/publication/ra_info/ra114/ra114.htm or from the RA library, Tel. 0207 211 0502/0505.
For further information please contact the Radiocommunications Agency, Technology Sectors Unit - Low Power Section. Tel: 020-7211-0152.
Notes for Editors
| 1. | The band 410 to 430 MHz as been allocated for use on a pan-European basis for a new service called TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio). In the UK, a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence and Telecommunications Act licence has been issued to a company called Dolphin Telecommunications, to provide a public access UK-wide network using TETRA technology. The licences allow the operator to use 100 paired national channels within the bands 410 to 415 MHz for mobile transmit and 420 to 425 MHz for base station transmit. |
| 2. | Some short range device receivers are currently experiencing interference as a result of emissions from TETRA base station transmitters. From investigations carried out both by the Agency and by the TETRA operator, it seems that the main cause of interference is due to the poor performance of these receivers. |
| 3. | The R&TTE Directive comes into affect on the 8th April 2000. This replaces the current Type Approval regime and allows manufacturers to self–certify that equipment which they intend to place on the market conforms to the essential requirements of the Directive. |
Further technical enquiries can be made on 020-7211-0155
Press Enquiries: 020-7215-5961
Public Enquiries: 020-7211-0211
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