Consultation on VHF Band III (174 to 230 MHz) and the 1.5 GHz Band

17 October 2003

The Radiocommunications Agency and the Radio Authority have today published a joint consultation document, ‘Opportunities for Future Use of Spectrum within VHF Band III (174 to 230 MHz) and in the 1.5 GHz Band’.

The results of the consultation will be taken forward by the new communications regulator Ofcom as it develops its policy and licence award process in these bands.

VHF Band III (174 to 230 MHz)

VHF Band III is currently used for land mobile services (Public Access Mobile Radio and Private Mobile Radio), Digital Radio programme-making, short-range devices and Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting (T-DAB).

Substantial spectrum is available in the VHF band, and the consultation seeks views on foreseeable demand for spectrum from mobile radio users in the medium term. It also suggests new uses such as Digital Radio and/or more converged uses of this technology for mobile delivery of multimedia such as sound, video (including television) and data.

1.5 GHz Band (1452 to 1492 MHz)

The 1.5 GHz band has been earmarked for use with digital broadcasting technology. The Agency and the Authority have therefore taken the opportunity to ask linked questions about the use of the spectrum at 1.5 GHz.

The consultation

The consultation document (available at www.radio.gov.uk under “Publications”/”Consultation Documents”, or by contacting the Agency Library on 020 7211 0211) details the current uses of both bands, identifies the spectrum that is potentially available and sets out the key questions to be addressed.

Comments on any part of the consultation document should be sent to the Radiocommunications Agency (see the document for contact details), to arrive no later than 12 January 2004.

Notes for editors

1. The Radiocommunications Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, responsible for managing the civilian radio spectrum in the UK.

2. The Radio Authority is responsible for licensing and regulating independent radio in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. It plans frequencies, awards licences, regulates programming and advertising, and plays an active role in the discussion and formulation of policies that affect the independent radio industry and its listeners.

3. The Communications Act received Royal Assent in July 2003. Responsibility for regulating the radio spectrum will transfer from the Secretary of State of the Department of Trade and Industry to the new Office of Communications (Ofcom) by the end of 2003. Ofcom will merge the functions of five existing regulatory bodies – the Radiocommunications Agency, the Radio Authority, the Independent Television Commission, the Broadcasting Standards Commission, and Oftel.

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Radiocommunications Agency website: www.radio.gov.uk

RA/PN/2003/09