Deregulation of Citizens Band Radio and Withdrawal of UK-Only Channels

Press Release - 25 March 2003

The Radiocommunications Agency has today published a consultation document on a proposal to deregulate Citizens’ Band (CB) radio and withdraw the 40 UK-only CB channels.

Background
CB is a short-range radio service for both hobby and business use, designed to be used without the need for any technical qualifications. To prevent interference to other radio users, all CB equipment must meet certain minimum performance specifications, and users must adhere to maximum power thresholds. Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, every CB radio user must obtain an individual licence, renewable annually.

The proposal
The consultation seeks views on a proposal to deregulate CB in 2004, that is to remove the need for individual licensing while retaining the technical equipment requirements and the current operating rules. This consultation document also deals with a proposal to remove the 40 UK-specific CB channels from CB use in 2010, retaining only the 40 pan-European channels.
This deregulatory move is intended to comply with the lighter regulatory touch envisioned in the Communications Bill, to provide easier access to CB and to enhance enjoyment of the hobby.

Copies of the consultation document may be downloaded from the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk/topics/cb/documents/condoc/index.htm or requested in hard copy from the RA information centre on tel: 020 7211 0502.

Responses to the consultation should be sent to cbconsult@ra.gsi.gov.uk or to the postal address given in the document by 18 June 2003.

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 0500
Out of Hours: 020 7215 0160
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 0160
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020 7215 6740

Email: cbconsult@ra.gsi.gov.uk
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. CB radio terms and conditions are available in the document: RA 369 (Citizens’ Band Radio Licence Terms, Provisions and Limitations Booklet), available from the RA information centre on tel: 020 7211 0502 or on the RA website at: www.radio.gov.uk/publication/ra_info/ra369.htm

3. An annual CB licence currently costs £15, but is free of charge to CB users aged under 21 years or over 75 years.

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

RA/PN/2003/03