RA consults on release of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band

The Radiocommunications Agency (RA) has today published a consultation document considering possible uses of 2 x 3.3 MHz of radio spectrum (the 1781.7 to 1785.0 MHz band paired with the 1876.7 to 1880.0 MHz band) that will shortly become available.

Background

These two bands form part of the overall “GSM 1800” spectrum (1710 to1785 MHz paired with 1805 to 1880 MHz), which is reserved within Europe for mobile telephony services based on Global Systems for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) technology.

1876.7 to 1880.0 MHz is currently a guard band, protecting GSM 1800 services against interference from Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) systems and vice versa. However, the European Radiocommunications Committee and RA have concluded that the guard band is no longer necessary. The 1781.7 to 1785.0 MHz band is currently unassigned.

There is an enormous existing market for GSM 1800 phones, but the UK Government has licensed all of the GSM spectrum that is currently available.

The proposal

The consultation is seeking views on three basic scenarios for use of this spectrum:

• make the spectrum available, on a national or regional basis, for public mobile telecommunication services – either as an extension of the existing GSM operators’ spectrum or as a limited, standalone network for new operators;
• make the spectrum available for short-range, low-power use within offices, shops, museums etc on a licence-exempt basis – either for self-provided, private use or for public “closed-group” services provided by third parties; or
• retain the guard band and leave the paired band unassigned (at least for a time) – this will assist the eventual migration of GSM 1800 to 3G use, and will facilitate Test and Development licensing.

RA also invites comments on whether to restrict the spectrum to GSM technology or make it “technology-neutral”.

You can download the consultation document from the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk, or call the RA Library on 020 7211 0502 to request a hard copy.

Responses to the consultation should be sent to the postal or email addresses given in the document by 25 July 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
RA website: www.radio.gov.uk

Notes for editors

1. The Radiocommunications Agency is an executive agency of the DTI, and is responsible for managing 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 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/2003/05