RA Consults On 450-470 MHz Spectrum Changes

Press Release - 10 January 2003

The Radiocommunications Agency has recently published a consultation document on the 450-470 MHz band alignment project. It invites the radio industry, users and any other interested parties to comment on the proposed band alignment process. The consultation document can be downloaded from the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk/topics/spectrum-strat/450-470-realign/index.htm

Responses to the consultation are invited by 10 March 2003.

Background

The consultation document describes a spectrum re-planning project by which RA will manage the alignment of the 450-470 MHz band to the configuration in the European Common Allocations Table.

The UK is currently at a disadvantage because its existing spectrum configuration in this band cannot easily accommodate new bulk-produced digital technology. The radio propagation characteristics of the band make it highly sought-after for mobile radio systems since it provides coverage ranges of up to about 30 km and some in-building penetration. The band has been identified across Europe for digital services according to a common spectrum configuration plan.

The 450-470 MHz band alignment project will affect several types of radio use - e.g. programme making, on-site private mobile radio, wide-area private mobile radio, scanning telemetry and private wide-area paging. These are used for a variety of business activities such as taxis, broadcasting, medical, retail, transport, construction, education, banking, security, utilities, government and leisure.

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RA website: www.radio.gov.uk

Notes for 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. RA is one of the five regulatory bodies which will form the new communications regulator Ofcom, which will combine the existing functions of the Broadcasting Standards Commission, Independent Television Commission, Oftel, the Radio Authority and the Radiocommunications Agency.

RA/PN/2003/01