New Radio Channel Access Procedure

Press Release - 12 February 2001

The Radiocommunications Agency has announced plans to introduce a new data-only channel access method known as Interface Requirement 2008 (IR 2008) and to develop an associated licence product.

This new method is based on the MPT 1379 Channel Access Procedure, which has been in abeyance awaiting amendment for two years. During that period, a Technical Working Group has been re-writing MPT 1379, in response to industry demand. The resultant IR 2008 channel access method licenses time slots, which means that although a frequency band is shared between different users, each user has exclusive use of the channel in a specific time period. Licensees may choose to purchase either a single time slot or multiple slots.(see diagram).

The 13 channels that will be made available have been designated as "data only", and compliance with the IR 2008 Interface Requirement will be a licence condition for their use. The Radiocommunications Agency intends to make licences available later this year.

Further information on IR 2008 may be obtained from Mark Redman on tel: 020 7211 0246. The IR 2008 is on the Agency’s website at: www.radio.gov.uk/document/misc/interface/draft/ir2008.doc ( 142 KB)

Notes for editors

1. The Radiocommunications Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry and its main functions are:

• Formulating policy on the planning and management of the UK civil radio spectrum;
• Co-ordinating UK views and participating in international negotiations on the use of radio;
• Authorising use of radio by licensing or exemption;
• Formulating technical and operating standards for radio;
• Enforcement of legislation on the use of radio equipment and investigation of radio interference.

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 0500

Out of Hours: 020 7215 5110/5600

Public Enquiries: 020 7211 0246

Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020 7215 6740

RA website: www.radio.gov.uk

1. MPT 1379 is a channel access procedure for Brivate Business Radio.