Radiocommunications Agency announces decision on Fixed Wireless Access at 3.4 GHz

RA Press Release - 10 March 2000

The Radiocommunications Agency announced today the result of the November 1999 consultation paper on the future of the former Ionica frequencies in the 3.4 GHz band.

The consultation asked the following questions:

• Should the service be used to provide voice or other additional services?

• Should operators be licensed to provide services on a national, regional or sub-regional basis?

Eighteen responses were received from telecoms operators, service providers, consultants and equipment suppliers. A summary of these is on the RA website at http://www.radio.gov.uk/document/consult/3_4ghz/response.htm

The majority of responses were in favour of permitting voice and additional services on these frequencies, and the majority of responses that expressed a preference asked for the spectrum to be licensed on a national basis.

The Agency subsequently asked all respondees to consider whether the 3.4 GHz package should be considered alongside a future consultation on the 10 GHz band. This proposal had little support because of the prospect of delay. The Agency will therefore shortly issue the second stage of the 3.4 GHz consultation inviting operators to compete for a national licence to provide fixed wireless access service at 3.4 GHz.

Further information can be obtained from Robert Emson

e-mail: robert.emson@ra.gsi.gov.uk, tel: 020 7211 0568, fax: 020 7211 0117

Notes for editors

1. Frequencies in the 3.4 GHz band were previously licensed to Ionica PLC but were returned to the Government as a result of the company going into receivership.
2. The coverage area available for the new national licence will be based upon providing service to 60% of the population of the UK.
3. When the successful operator has advised the Agency of the area it intends to provide coverage to, the Agency will examine whether it is technically feasible to licence additional regional systems in the remaining areas.

Press enquiries: 0207 211 0500

Out of hours: 0207 215 5110/5600

Public enquiries: 0207 215 5000

Textphone (for people with hearing impairments):

0207 215 6740

Website: http://www.radio.gov.uk

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