The Future Use of the 169MHz Band

Press Release - 24 May 2002

The Radiocommunications Agency has today issued a consultation document on the future use of the radio spectrum in the 169MHz band. It invites interested parties to comment on examples of possible future uses for the 169MHz band. The consultation document can be downloaded from the RA website at http://www.radio.gov.uk/topics/paging/consult/future-use/169mhz_condoc.pdf

Responses to the consultation are invited, by 23 August 2002, to be sent to:

Background

The band 169.4125 to169.8125 MHz is currently assigned to Enhanced Radio Messaging Systems (ERMES) on a pan-European basis, as well as being additionally designated as technology-neutral and available for two-way paging in the UK.

ERMES has not achieved acceptance as an industry standard within the European Union. Its failure to gain universal operator acceptance means that the European Community vision of a truly pan-European radio paging service has not been realised.

Moves within Europe to reallocate the 169MHz band have already started. Canvassing of other administrations, through established European radio fora, has shown that there is no support for continuing to provide harmonised spectrum for ERMES services.

The outcome of the UK consultation process will give the opportunity for RA to play a leading role in discussions within Europe on the future use of the band. 

Notes for editors

 

1. The Radiocommunications Agency is an executive agency of the DTI and is responsible for licensing civil use of the radio spectrum in the UK.

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RA/PN/2002/07