Ship Radio Licence Costs Reduced

DTI Press Release - 4 March 1998

Changes in licence fees charged for use of radio were announced today by the Radiocommunications Agency.

From 1 April, up to 1,000 commercial vessels licensees will pay £18 less - a reduction of 45 per cent - for their ship radio licences. New regulations also restructure and simplify licensing arrangements for dealers in radio equipment by introducing a new licence - the Radio Suppliers Licence - giving access to a predetermined set of frequencies and unlimited usage irrespective of the number of radios for rent.

Barbara Roche, Minister for Industry said:

"I strongly support the steps taken by the Radiocommunications Agency to deregulate and simplify licensing, especially in situations where licence fees do not reflect the value of the spectrum utilised. I am especially pleased that it has been possible to reduce significantly the cost of ship radio licences for commercial users. I know that industry were concerned about this issue and I am glad to have responded to these concerns."

Notes to Editors

The Regulations "The Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No. 460) set the level of licence fees for users of radio in the United Kingdom, levied under the cost recovery arrangements operated by the Agency under present legislation. The Wireless Telegraphy Bill, currently before Parliament, would allow licence fees to be set with regard to spectrum management considerations to reflect the value of the spectrum.

Further information on the Regulations can be obtained from:

Des Daly,
Radiocommunications Agency,
New Kings Beam House,
22 Upper Ground,
London SE1 9SA .

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