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Publication of Strategy for the Future use of the Radio Spectrum in the UK 2000 |
RA Press Release - 31 March 2000
The Radiocommunications Agency publishes the 2000 edition of the UK’s Spectrum Strategy document
The Radiocommunications Agency has today published a revised edition of its Strategy for the future use of the radio spectrum in the UK.
Speaking today, Patricia Hewitt, Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce said:
"The knowledge economy is transforming almost every area of our lives – business, education, public services and leisure - with a speed that would have been unthinkable even a few years ago. The radio spectrum is the raw material without which this revolution would not be possible.
The spectrum is a finite resource and the pressure on it is constantly growing as society’s demands for mobility continue to accelerate. Its management is also becoming more complex as technological convergence blurs the distinction between computing, broadcasting and telecommunications. We need to ensure that spectrum is used in the best possible way so as to make spectrum available for exciting new services as well as existing ones.
The Spectrum Strategy sets out a comprehensive picture of how spectrum is currently used in the UK and how we expect this to develop in the years ahead. …..Its purpose is not just to inform users about anticipated changes in the spectrum management but also to consult them. I hope that many of you will respond to the invitation to comment. Your input is vital if the spectrum is to be managed effectively to meet the challenges of the 21st century."
Notes for Editors
The Radiocommunications Agency’s Strategy for the Future Use of the Radio Spectrum was first published in 1995. This is the fifth edition.
The Strategy outlines the current national and international arrangements for management of the radio spectrum and outlines anticipated future changes, including the continued roll-out of spectrum pricing, using the powers under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998, and the possible introduction of spectrum trading, subject to the necessary changes in EU and UK law. This year’s edition also highlights some of the ways in which convergence will affect the future management of the radio spectrum and outlines the major study on this theme which the Agency has commissioned.
The Strategy also outlines major developments and anticipated future changes in all major areas of spectrum use, service by service. This information is supplemented by a detailed annotated frequency order table which highlights the key spectrum management issues across the whole of the spectrum and by detailed spectrum management objectives for each of the Agency’s licence classes.
This edition of the Strategy also contains a chapter on military spectrum strategy. This provides a comprehensive overview of military use across the whole of the radio spectrum and outlines major anticipated developments. This is the first time such comprehensive information on military radio use has been made available in a public document.
Press Enquiries: 020 7211 0500
(Out of hours: 020 7215 5600/5110)
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 0211
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020 7215 6740
E-mail: library@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.radio.gov.uk
RA/PN 2000/08 |
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