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Press Release - 15 October 2001
The Radiocommunications Agency today announced that from 15 October it will be inviting bids for spectrum licences at 28GHz for Broadband Fixed Wireless Access (BFWA). Twenty-six licences in eight English regions, Scotland and Wales are available. The licences will be open for bids for a period of twelve months. Companies winning the licences will be able to deliver Internet and multimedia services over the airwaves.
The Agency has also published on its website a transcript of the seminar held in London on 18 September. The seminar was held to promote the award process. It covered details of the award process and background information on broadband technology and the market opportunity for BFWA.
Martin Heath, a partner in KPMG Consulting, market and financial advisors to the Agency, said: "Broadband Britain will be one of the fundamental building blocks for the UK economy; providing UK businesses with the capability to compete head-on in an increasingly e-enabled, globalised trading environment. The "e-evolution" has already happened in the majority of UK large companies. Through the use of broadband technology to network their partners, suppliers and customers, corporations have substantially reduced transaction costs. Broadband will allow smaller companies to take part in the same e-evolution."
Stephen Talbot, principal engineer in the Agency’s BFWA Team said: "Fixed wireless access technology is a flexible, scaleable solution to providing connections between the end customer and the telecommunications network. It has significant advantages in terms of:
Commenting on the award process, Joe Sonke, head of the Agency’s BFWA Team said: "The Government’s decision to make the remaining 28GHz licences available over the twelve month period from mid-October will enable operators to plan a targeted and effective market entry. The award process is designed to be as straightforward as possible for interested companies. They will be able to come forward with applications for any available licences when they consider that the time is right."
Notes for editors
1 On 19 July 2001 E-Commerce Minister Douglas Alexander outlined the bidding process for the 26 remaining licences for Broadband Fixed Wireless Access in England, Scotland and Wales (DTI Press Notice P/2001/386).
2 Full details of the award procedure, including an Information Memorandum published on 18 September, are available on the Agency’s website at www.radio.gov.uk.
3 A transcript of the seminar held on 18 September is also available on the Agency's website together with copies of the presentational slides and a list of those who attended the seminar.
4 Any enquiries, and requests for copies of the Information Memorandum, should be addressed to the BFWA Team at the Radiocommunications Agency, Wyndham House, 189 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SX. Tel: 020 7211 0324, fax 020 7211 0203; e-mail: bfwa@ra.gsi.gov.uk.
5 The Radiocommunications Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry responsible for licensing civil use of the radio spectrum in the UK.
Press
Enquiries: 020 7211 0500
Public Enquiries:
020 7211 0313
Radiocommunications Agency website:
www.radio.gov.uk
Out
of hours: 020 7215 5110/5600
Textphone for those with hearing impairment: 020
7215 6740
E-mail: library@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Website:
www.radio.gov.uk
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