SATCLEAR IS HERE!

Press Release - 10 February 2003

The Radiocommunications Agency (RA) today announced the launch of SatClear.

SatClear is an online service, which will enable holders of Network Licences to apply online for the clearance of small interactive satellite earth stations. SatClear will provide an immediate, online response to these applications. If clearance is granted, SatClear will also enable Network licensees to register these earth stations as part of their networks.

Mass deployment

Small interactive satellite earth stations transmit and receive as part of a network. The network's operating parameters are prescribed so as to facilitate rapid clearance and mass deployment. Earth stations of this type have a wide range of uses, from commercial data transfer to broadband Internet connectivity (for which it is an increasingly popular solution).

Clearance and registration through SatClear is specific to those earth station terminal types transmitting at an EIRP of up to and including 48.0 dBW, operating in the FSS Exclusive Bands of 14.0 to 14.25 GHz and 29.5 to 30.0 GHz.

Simplification

Not every location is suitable for the installation of an earth station. To help reduce uncertainty, RA is also offering an online guidance service to the general public and to earth station resellers. This service, which is also part of SatClear, will indicate whether it will be possible to clear an earth station immediately.

This is a simplified version of the facility available to Network licensees, who can also view and maintain their Network Licence details securely online.

Extensive consultation during development

SatClear has been developed following extensive consultation with existing Network licensees, with RA's strategic partners and with other stakeholders. All feedback has been taken into account during the development stages of this new online service.

E-business and modernising government

Announcing the launch of SatClear, Rolande Anderson, Chief Executive of the Radiocommunications Agency, said:

"SatClear represents another step by RA towards the provision of e-government business online. In keeping with the vision of modernised government, this new service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will deliver a high-quality and efficient service to licensees and to citizens alike. The SatClear project has drawn upon the experience gained from other successful RA e-business projects, and it is expected that SatClear will add value to RA's growing portfolio of online services. RA is grateful for the co-operation of other government agencies and of existing licensees. SatClear is an innovative solution to the e-business requirements of all stakeholders."

Principal benefits of SatClear

Immediate, online responses to clearance requests.

Promotion of mass deployment.

Removal of uncertainty in the site clearance process.

Empowerment of licensees to view and to maintain network details securely online.

Dedicated SatClear Enquiry Point for licensees' guidance and assistance.

Support during transition

RA is currently undertaking data conversion on existing Network Licences. Information about SatClear is being issued to Network licensees, and RA will continue to offer guidance and support to Network licensees during the transitional period.

SatClear can be found on the RA website www.radio.gov.uk at https://www.e-licensing.radio.gov.uk/SatClear-web-app/. This site also contains further information about SatClear and about the work of RA.

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 0500
Out of Hours: 020 7215 0160
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 0274
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020 7215 6740
RA website: www.radio.gov.uk

Notes for editors
1. The Radiocommunications Agency (RA) is an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. RA is responsible for managing the civilian radio spectrum in the United Kingdom.

2. SatClear is a new online service that will enable holders of Network Licences to submit online applications for the clearance of small interactive satellite earth stations. This service will also enable Network licensees securely to view and to maintain their network details online.

3. The Network Licence has replaced the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Licence.

4. VSAT licensees were dependent upon RA staff to consider applications for clearance and for maintenance of VSAT network details. Network licensees can use SatClear to submit their own applications and to maintain their own network details.

RA/PN/2003/02