1. Introduction

The Fixed Terrestrial and Satellite Links Unit (FTSLU) is the Radiocommunications Agency's lead business unit for licensing, assignment and spectrum management issues pertaining to the regulation of fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial and satellite links in the UK.

This information sheet highlights key fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial link activities. Activities on the Fixed Satellite Service pertaining to earth-station licensing are detailed in information sheet RA 171.

2. International and European framework

The planning of frequency allocations at the international level is undertaken by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialised Agency of the United Nations. The ITU Radio Regulations constitute an international treaty to which the UK is bound; they contain a Table of Frequency Allocations in which spectrum is allocated to different radio services, such as Fixed Service (FS) and the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS). Modifications to these allocations can be made only at World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) held approximately every two years; the agenda for each WRC is set at the previous WRC.

Within the ITU-Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) a number of Study Groups, Task Groups and Working Parties address detailed technical issues such as system characteristics, interference criteria, inter-service sharing and channel plans. These groups produce ITU-R Recommendations. For the FS, Study Group 9 is the responsible group producing and publishing “F” series recommendations.

Detailed spectrum planning at the European level is conducted within sub-groups of the European Communications Committee (ECC) - part of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT). With the overall aim of European harmonisation, the ECC produces recommendations and decisions on frequency usage. Technical issues are dealt with through Spectrum Engineering (SE) Working Groups; for the FS, SE19 takes the lead. Through the "Spectrum Decision" mechanism, the European Commission can mandate CEPT/ECC to undertake spectrum management activities.

FTSLU has a dedicated team of engineers, who work within the ITU and CEPT to represent UK interests in fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links.

3. Developing National Regulations and European Standards

FTSLU is responsible for formulating UK regulations for fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links equipment and antenna. It also co-ordinates the UK input to activities aimed at developing European Standards for fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links - mainly within the European Telecommunications Standards Institute's (ETSI) Working Party Transmission and Multiplexing Group 4 (TM4). (The European Commission mandated ETSI under the 98/34 Directive to write harmonised standards for making equipment to access the European market - see section 4.5).

The UK Technical Regulations (TRs) for fixed (point-to-point) equipment are contained in the UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000 (IR2000). This specifies the licence options in bands where there are relevant European Standards (ETSs and ENs).

Because of the intensive use of fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links in the UK, it may be necessary in certain circumstances to authorise the early implementation of state-of-the-art equipment not yet addressed in published European Standards. This will be done by amending the TRs.The need to implement such equipment must be balanced with the wider need to promote the European harmonisation of equipment standards.

Infomation sheet RA 358 specifically deals with amendments to TRs, and with the associated processes. New equipment may be considered for inclusion in the TRs when ETSI TM4 has approved the equipment performance details; this ensures a fair degree of stability and consensus on the performance details adopted.

4. Legal framework and associated policy for authorising spectrum and equipment use

The legal framework and policy pertaining to fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links in the UK are detailed below.

4.1 Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act 1949 - licensing

The installation and use of radio equipment is authorised by a licence issued under the WT Act 1949. A licence is required to operate any microwave or millimetre-wave fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial link.

4.2 Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act 1998 - spectrum sricing

The WT Act 1998 provides RA with legislation to manage spectrum more effectively and promote its optimal use. Licence fees are set out in regulations made under the WT Act 1998. The licence fee for a fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial link reflects whether the bands are congested and whether the link site(s) are located in geographical areas designated as congested. Contact FTSLU for the most up-to-date information on congested bands and geographical areas, or view the fee details in RA2.

4.3 R&TTE Directive (Directive 1999/5/EC)

The Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (R&TTED) is European legislation which defines how "type-approval" and the regulatory compliance of radio telecommunications terminal equipment destined for the European Union have been dealt with since 1 May 2000. The R&TTED has removed the requirement for formal national type-approval. However, equipment that has not been declared under the R&TTED can no longer be marketed.

Further information on the scope of the R&TTED is available on the RA website under “Topic Pages” / “Conformity Assessment”. The R&TTED itself can be downloaded at www.ero.dk/EROWEB/RTTE/Directive.pdf.

4.4 R&TTED - implications for licences

To comply with the provisions of the R&TTED, all radio systems must comply with the ‘essential requirements detailed in Article 3.2’ for equipment to be placed on the market.

The ‘essential requirements’ for fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial radio relay equipment are covered by the ETSI Harmonised Standard EN 301 751. Other parameters covered in ETSI performance standards (ENs and ETSs) are referred to as ‘non-essential parameters’.

RA assumes that all equipment must now meet the ‘essential requirements’ of the R&TTED. All Technical Regulations (TRs) and Frequency Assignment Criteria used for co-ordinating fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links are published by and available from RA – see Section 7.

4.5 Directive 1998/34/EC

Directive 1998/34/EC is intended to help avoid the creation of trade barriers within the European Union. Under this Directive Member States must supply drafts of their TRs to the European Commission (EC), to allow other Member States the opportunity to influence the outcome.

All new and revised TRs are notified to the EC under the Directive notification procedures. Each TR is subject to a three-month mandatory ‘stand still period’ for consultation, which starts when they are received by the EC. Following the standstill period, and provided no objections are received from Member States, the new or amended TR can be published. Information sheet RA 358 gives further details on the Directive 1998/34/EC procedure.

4.6 "Minimum path length" policy

The choice of frequency band for fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links in the UK depends principally on path length and traffic capacity. Information sheet RA 143 details all co-ordinated and unco-ordinated frequency bands administered in the UK by FTSLU.

To preserve spectrum in the lower frequency bands for longer, high-capacity links (which can be accommodated only in these bands), FTSLU operates a “minimum path length” MPL policy to select the appropriate frequency band for a given link.

The MPL permitted in each band is listed in RA 143. These limits are based on distances below which it would be reasonable to expect a higher band to be used. Any applicant wishing to install a link shorter than the MPL will need to provide written justification; permission to operate such a link will be at RA's discrection. In the interest of fairness, it is be necessary to apply these limits to all operators, including those currently managing their own fixed-link spectrum allocations.

The 1.4 GHz band is set aside to accommodate low-capacity links (i.e. less than 2 Mbit/s).

5. FTSLU Consultative Committee Structure

In carrying out its spectrum management tasks, FTSLU consults industry using the following committees:

The Fixed Links Consultative Committee (FLCC) is the main RA/industry consultative forum on fixed-links policy. Meetings are held approximately two or three times a year and are organised by FTSLU. The FLCC provides a forum to discuss and formulate national policies for fixed links including co-ordination, equipment standardisation and licensing activities carried out within FTSLU. Membership of any consultative committee is open to members of Intellect (formerly the United Kingdom Federation of Electronics Industry (FEI)). Membership requests from Intellect non-members will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All new and revised Technical Regulations are subject to approval by the Fixed Links Point-to-Point Working Group (PPWG) which meets about five times a year. Technical Regulations (TRs) are revised from time to time to reflect changing user requirements, technological improvements or increasing spectrum congestion. Such revisions are intended to improve spectrum use. After approval by the PPWG, all new and amended TRs are notified to the European Commission under the terms of Directive 1998/34/EC – see Section 4.5.

The PPWG also develops the UK point-to-point radio frequency assignment criteria based on the planning and propagation aspects required to assign links.

The main responsibility of the Antenna Working Group (AWG) is to develop and maintain antenna specifications for terrestrial fixed-link radio systems. ETSI-recognised antenna options will be used in UK TRs and frequency assignment processes.

The Scanning Telemetry Working Group (STWG) is being reactivated by RA. It will meet with the Scanning Telemetry Spectrum Management Organisation (ST-SMO) and industry to discuss issues concerning the effective and appropriate use of the scanning telemetry radio spectrum in the UK. The STWG will report directly to its policy parent group, the FLCC.

The five key strands of the STWG's work will be to:

• define the term ‘digital’ in the context of scanning telemetry;
• develop a strategy to manage scanning telemetry band re-alignment;
• investigate the future co-existence of analogue and digital scanning telemetry services, including compatibility trials;
• formulate/revise scanning telemetry documentation, considering R&TTED implications; and
• develop and propose an ETSI Standard for analogue/digital scanning telemetry.
  

6. Windfarm co-ordination

RA advises the use of a 500 m co-ordination zone to take into account large discrepancies in the national grid refernces (NGRs) used during co-ordination. (If the validity of the NGRs is verified by both parties, a smaller coordination zone is acceptable. Further discussion, and minimum limits, can be found on our website under "Topic Pages" / "Fixed Terrestrial (Point-to-Point) Links" / " Reports.

7. Further information

For further information on any aspect of fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links meetings, standards, channel assignments, licensing, etc, please contact:

Fixed Terrestrial and Satellite Links Unit (FTSLU) Helpdesk
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Tel: 020 7211 0300
Fax: 020 7211 0113
For information sheets, application forms and other RA publications, see our website (www.radio.gov.uk) under "Publications" or contact our Library and Information Service:

Tel: 020 7211 0502 / 0505
Fax: 020 7211 0507

For information on other radiocommunication matters, please call the RA Enquiry Point
on 020 7211 0211.

For scanning telemetry applications, contact one of the following organisations:

Joint Radio Company (JRC)
30 Millbank
London
SW1P 4RD

CSS Spectrum Management Services
Somerton House, Broad Street
Somerton, Somerset
TA11 7ND
Tel: 01458 273789
Fax: 01558 273883

Glossary:

ANNEX A: General RA Fixed (Point-to-Point) Terrestrial Link Assignment Considerations

In general, except in the unco-ordinated spectrum, channels are assigned in the highest frequency band compatible with meeting the radio planning requirements.

A.1 Service availability

“Service availability” is the mean propagation availability used to determine the overall link budget. In general, permitted levels are 99.9%, 99.99%, 99.995% and 99.999%. Levels greater than 99.99% will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require justification (for example, requirements to meet PSTN performance objectives or safety-of-life considerations). The use of protected (duplicated) equipment is generally a requirement for availability levels greater than 99.99%.

A.2 Hot standby and space diversity

“Space diversity” (on the receive path) or “hot standby” facilities may be required in certain circumstances to achieve the required service availability level. However, in the interests of spectrum conservation, RA does not generally permit the use of frequency diversity for standby purposes. Therefore, N+1 systems will not be accommodated. Any additional requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A.3 high/low status

An existing site and its surrounding area may be designated “transmit high” or “transmit low” depending on the frequencies currently in use on the site. Details of existing (fixed terrestrial link) radio sites' hi/lo configurations are provided, on a band-by-band basis, on the RA website under “Topic Pages” / “Fixed Terrestrial (Point-to-Point) Links” / "Fixed Link Applications". If you require a particular transmit/receive configuration, you should obtain the necessary information from the website before submitting your licence application. If this is not practicable, or if you need further clarification, please contact FTSLU – see section 7.

Additional requirements apply to links for offshore use by the oil and gas industries.

A.4 Licensees’ technical considerations

You are responsible for ensuring that your radio transmitter does not constitute a radiation hazard. Further information can be obtained from the local office of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).

If you do not own the site you wish to use, you must obtain permission to use it from the site owner.

A.5 Assignment and Licence Procedure

To apply for a licence, you must submit the relevant application form with full details of the proposed link, including site details, equipment and antenna details. If your form is incomplete, your application may take longer to process and your form may be returned to you.

The WT Act 1949 requires that no radiocommunications apparatus shall be installed or used in the UK, except under the authority of a licence (or a licence-exemption) granted by the Secretary of State. It is a condition of such a licence that the minimum requirements specified in the UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000 (IR2000), for the stated radio licence classes and frequency band, shall be met. For more details, please refer to the Licensing Procedures Manuals, available on the RA website under “Publications”.

Spectrum currently available on a co-ordinated basis is in the 1.4, 4, L6, U6, 7.5, 13, 15, 22, 25, 31, 38, 52 and 55 GHz bands. Applications for these frequency bands must be made using application form RA 8. Co-ordinated assignments are covered in more detail below.

You may submit your application electronically. If you plan to do this, it may be useful to approach FTSLU, beforehand, to discuss requirements such as electronic exchange, acceptable data formats and procedural aspects.

A licence-exempt arrangement applies at 58 GHz. A limited number of technical constraints are detailed within IR2000 for this frequency band.

The 31 GHz band is used for analogue security surveillance systems.

In addition to the above frequencies, the 450 MHz frequency band is available for Scanning Telemetry applications. Licence applications should be made on form RA 37. Channels for Scanning Telemetry applications are assigned by the Joint Radio Company (JRC) for the fuel and power industry, and CSS Spectrum Management Services for all other cases. All enquiries regarding frequency assignments should be made to these organisations.

The 450 MHz band is used for the transmission of telecontrol or telemetry signals as well as data distribution and gathering systems. Before applying for a new or amended licence please note that the RA intends to embark on a major programme of frequency changes in the 450 to 470MHz band. You are strongly advised to read information sheet RA 410 for further information on the project.' Details of the frequency changes are available on the RA website under "Topic Pages" / " Spectrum Strategy and Planning" / 450-470 MHz Project".

At the time of publishing, all installed scanning telemetry systems are analogue. It has recently been agreed, however, that future systems may be digital; however, the standard that digital systems will need to comply with is yet to be agreed). It should be noted that digital systems will also be subject to the band re-alignment programme at the changeover date.

A.5.1 Assign an application number

Each application is assigned a unique application number on receipt, enabling FTSLU to assign job priority and track the progress of links. Applicants will be notified of this number by post or email. We have found that applications covering a large number of links have an increased chance of errors. If your application contains errors, it will be returned to you.

A.5.2 Validate the application

RA will validate all applications for completeness before processing. This procedure includes an appraisal of all the link details against service availability, link length, type of service (i.e. analogue or digital including data rate), bandwidth, channel spacing, equipment and antenna specifications, site locations, etc. Once applications have passed validation, they are subject to the RA turnaround targets. If your form is incomplete or incorrect, it will be returned to you.

A.5.3 Enter the links details

Following validation, the link details are entered on the assignment system, enabling the technical assignment process to commence.

A.5.4 Provide a provisional licence schedule

Where possible, FTSLU will attempt to assign channels on the basis of preferred channels.
RA initially assigns provisional frequencies for each link, following co-ordination with existing fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links and other services. RA will notify you of these provisional frequencies; this does not give you authority to operate the fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial link(s), but is provided to assist you with early equipment procurement and configuration.

A.5.5 Co-ordinate with other services and organisations

The choice of frequency band depends primarily on the nature of the service and whether the spectrum is shared with other services. Shared spectrum requires different services to be co-ordinated to internationally agreed levels of interference.

The National Frequency Approval Panel (NFAP) agrees the day-to-day detailed frequency assignments, and ensures that these are made in accordance with the UK frequency allocation table and in the interests of UK users. A significant period of the turnaround time is required for obtaining NFAP approval since the panel meets only every three weeks.

A.5.6 Carry out site clearance

You must ensure that antennas and masts meet current planning requirements. If your antennas and masts constitute a hazard, particularly to aircraft, it is your responsibility to obtain approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Site clearance permits a range of compatibility issues (blocking, intermodulation, obstructions etc) to be assessed. Fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links are exempt from site clearance only if:

• the effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is less than 48 dBW;
• the antenna height AGL is less than 30 metres; or
• when mounted to an existing site-cleared structure, the new installation’s height does not increase that structure’s height by more than 5 metres.
  

A.5.7 Issue the licence

The licence can be formally issued only when all clearances have been received with confirmations from all interested parties. For new customers, the first year’s licence fee must also be paid.

A.6 Turnaround targets

FTSLU aims to process and dispatch 90% of all applications for co-ordinated links within 40 working days and the remainder within 60 working days. This includes the full process from receipt of valid applications to issue of the licence, inclusive of turnaround times needed for NFAP and site clearance.

A.7 Testing and Development

In the case of experimental or prototype links, RA may grant the user authority to use equipment that does not comply with the R&TTED. Applicants requiring Testing and Development (T+D) licences should submit their applications using application form RA 382 to RA’s Science and Technology Unit (STU). These licences are strictly for non-commercial applications only (i.e. no third-party traffic may be carried), and are issued on an unprotected, non-interference basis, normally for a period of 12 months.

A.8 Temporary Use

Temporary licences are intended to facilitate systems that have a limited period of operation. It may be that these systems do not comply with the R&TTED, or are precluded for some other reason be precluded from the normal assignment processes. On a conditional basis, these systems may be considered for a temporary use licence. Form RA 382 should be used for such applications and sent to STU. If the application is successful the licence will be issued on an unprotected, non-interference basis for a period of not more than six months. After this time the licence is not renewable.

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