New Money For Radio Spectrum Research

Press Release - 29th November 2002

The Radiocommunications Agency (RA) is pleased to announce that HM Treasury has approved £2.5m in 2003/04 for research to improve radio spectrum efficiency.

The programme will include research in support of the recommendations made by Professor Martin Cave in his recent review of radio spectrum management, and will directly support the RA objective “to manage spectrum in accordance with a clear strategic plan, and to adopt innovative and progressive approaches to spectrum management”.

RA will shortly be seeking proposals under this scheme, with a closing date of 1 February 2003, and with the expectation that research work will commence by 1 April 2003.
Further information and guidance notes on applying for research proposals can be obtained from Martin Skingley, Engineering and Research Unit, Radiocommunications Agency. Tel: 020 7211 0039.

Background

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998 introduced a package of inter-related measures intended to facilitate more intensive exploitation of the radio spectrum in the UK. The principal elements of the package were spectrum pricing and auctions, but provision was also made for grants to be awarded in support of measures aimed at promoting greater efficiency in the management and use of the spectrum. Arrangements for awarding these grants have become known as the Spectrum Efficiency Scheme (SES).

The research programme aims to bring about collaborative studies and the sharing of information between members of the radio community at the earliest possible stage in their exploration of new technologies and market opportunities. This will allow full account to be taken of the very best ideas and data available when decisions are needed - in industry or Government – on aspects of spectrum management.

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 0500
Out of Hours: 020 7215 0160
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 0039
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020 7215 6740
RA website: www.radio.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The Radiocommunications Agency is an executive agency of the DTI responsible for the management of the civil (non-military) radio spectrum in the UK.

2. The Review of Radio Spectrum Management was published in March 2002 and is available at www.spectrumreview.radio.gov.uk, together with the Government response to the Review, published in October 2002.

RA/PN/2002/10