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Local Authority Radio Systems Information Sheet. |
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Local Authority Radio Systems Information Sheet. |
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1 Introduction
This information sheet deals with the radio system most commonly known as the Local Authority Emergency Alarm system for the elderly or infirm. The Radiocommunications Agency (RA) has prepared this sheet to answer a number of fundamental questions. It is aimed at everyone with an interest in these radio systems but particularly the local authorities who install these radio systems because they, rightly, place a high emphasis on the care and protection of their elderly or infirm residents
2 What is a Local Authority Emergency Alarm system for the elderly or infirm and what does it do
The system gives tge elderly or infirm the reassurance of being able to alert a responsible person, for example a warden, situated at a central control point in times of real emergencies. The central control point is normally computer-monitored so that the exact address of the emergency call can be quickly identified.
3 Why are the systems just for emergencies?
To conserve the usage of the radio frequency spectrum. Where a system employs speech, the facility is available to provide immediate communication of an emergency message to the central control point. If the frequency were to be used for non-emergency situations, then it may be in use at the moment that an emergency occurs with the result that the emergency goes unnoticed. It is only for emergency calls from the outstations and not for routine messages. The control stations may be used for acknowledging such calls and for polling on non- speech systems.
4 Conditions of the Licence Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (WT Act),
It is necessary to obtain a licence issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (unless devices are specifically exempt from licensing). The equipment must at all times be used in associated schedule. Failure to comply with the terms will invalidate the licence. Under the terms of the licence, the licensee must ensure that the appropriate fees are paid.
5 What types of system are there?
There are essentially two different types of system. One allows speech, the other sends a coded alarm message instead. in addition, "polling" is sometimes used. Polling is normally only permitted in special circumstances, and is explained in more detail on the following pages .The base station antenna may be located at the control centre or at a site or sites away from the entre which are linked to the centre by land line. The antenna sites are planned to give the best possible coverage of the local authority's catchment area because it is not always possible to cover the whole area. A typical system might have 500 outstations. The equipment used at the outstation may be permanently fixed or portable. in considering applications, the RA will examine schemes to ensure that the best use is made of the scarce radio frequency pectrum. Careful antenna siting helps to re-use frequencies more efficiently, and in examining applications we would expect to see that the antenna was less than 15m above ground level.
6 What is polling and when is it allowed?
Polling is a technical feature of the equipment which enables the base station to "check" each outstation and establish whether an alarm is being raised or whether the equipment is working properly. To do this, the base station transmitter sends a radio signal for reception at the outstation, normally at the elderly or infirm person's address. The outstation responds by returning a signal which indicates that the equipment is working. If no signal is received at the base station, the central monitor raises an alarm. There are two types of "polling" alarm systems. One polls almost continuously and the other has limited polling. Continuously polling systems, particularly if they are of different makes, may cause interference between adjacent systems which could result in clashes of signal and emergencies going unnoticed. it has therefore been decided that no system's computer software will be programmed to poll continuously on the new frequencies, but will have the total amount of airtime used for polling limited to a maximum of 6% of each day.
Any existing system using continuous polling will be reprogrammed to limit airtime used for polling, to check that the equipment is functioning, to a maximum of 6% each day. in addition when an alarm is triggered the system will be allowed to poll until the outstation raising the alarm is identified. This is a compromise on polling that has been agreed with user representatives, manufacturers and suppliers as being a reasonable way forward which will satisfy those local authorities who are currently licensed to use systems that can poll continuously. All systems in use by the year 2000 will either by non-polling or have the amount of airtime used for the polling of each outstation limited to 6% of each day (airtime used in polling would indicate the signal from the central station and that signal transponded at the outstation). Polling will be allowed only to check that the equipment is working and not to check the state of the alarm. Equipment should be designed so that once an alarm is triggered, the alarm signal is received and identified immediately at the central control station. Each outstation should be able to transmit a coded message uniquely identifying itself. It is recommended that the signalling format should conform at least to Code of Practice MPT 1317.
7 Operational frequencies are changing. Why?
The systems were first introduced to the UK in the 1970s. At that time, RA, then part of the Home Office, was involved in discussions with manufacturers and suppliers of the equipment with the aim of establishing a system which could operate on a single frequency and where a number of adjacent systems could all operate harmoniously without problems of co-channel interference, particularly where speech systems were abused and used for emergencies only.
However, the demand for the systems soon increased and with the advent of larger systems it became clear that one frequency would not be sufficient to sustain that demand. Also, it was noticeable that continuous polling systems were not compatible with speech systems. These problems led to the eventual release of three frequencies but there was still some co-channel interference. A single frequency at 107 MHz was allocated for the purpose.
In 1979 the World Administration Radio Conference (WARC 79) decided that the band 105-108 Mhz should be re-allocated to the broadcasting services by the end of 1995. Replacement frequencies for emergency alarm systems in the 160/168 MHz bands were found and five frequencies have now been made available to resolve, once and for all, the co-channel problems. No further radio spectrum will be made available for this service.
8 How and when will the changeover to new frequencies take place?
The Agency discussed with the manufactures and users the plans for the changeover in frequencies and all systems were to have moved from 107MHz by the end of 1990. However, certain users were not able to change their frequencies by this date, and the Agency will continue to licence their systems at 107 Mhz until the changeover can be made.
Any new installations should operate on the new frequencies in the 160/168 MHz bands. To go straight to the new frequencies will obviously save local authorities the changeover costs. In changing over it may be necessary to operate on two channels. When RA is notified of such cases, we will authorise the local authority to operate the system at both 107 MHz and 160/168 MHz during the changeover. Nevertheless, the aim is for all systems to be operating on the new frequencies as soon as possible and all use of systems operating on 107 MHz must cease by the end of 1995.
9 Equipment type-approval procedure
When existing equipment is changed to operated on the new frequencies it may need to be re-type- approved. Type-approval is carried out at RA nominated Test Houses. If a crystal change is all that is required for the equipment to operate on the new frequencies, existing equipment will be permitted to continue to operate, provided it continues to meet the provisions of its type approval, until it is replaced or until th6 year 2000, whichever is earlier. The RA has been discussing this question with suppliers and manufacturers, so they are aware of the position. Manufacturers and suppliers are advised to check with RA whether the equipment needs to be re-type-approved. After the year 2000, all systems will conform to the specification MPT 1357.
10 How to apply for a licence
When the Accounts Office in Newport has registered receipt of the fee, the application is sent to RA to process the licence and associated schedule. When the application has been granted, an officer from the RA!s local office will bring the licence to the user's premises (possibly accompanied by a representative of the supplier) at a convenient time, and will check the installation to ensure that it will function properly and within the terms of the licence. The licence will only be issued to a local authority or an association or body under their control.
RA5 is the part of the RA that is responsible for enforcing the Wireless Telegraphy Acts and the terms of radio transmitting licences. RA5 also helps radio users to recognise and tackle the causes of radio communication problems.
11 The role of the RA Branch 5 District Offices
Over a period of time RA5 has looked closely at emergency alarm systems and how they are being operated. They have found that some local authorities have been misusing their systems by allowing them to be used in non-emergencies. RA5 can act against users of radio apparatus which is not operated under the authority of the appropriate licence or within the terms of that licence. In some cases the station can be closed and equipment seized as evidence for prosecution proceedings.
In an attempt to ensure that emergency alarm systems are installed so that they are used properly it has been decided that an RA5 Officer will deliver the Wireless Telegraphy Act Licence to the user's premises. He will also be happy to answer any questions you may have. Remember, the local authority is responsible for operating these systems correctly because it is in the ultimate interest of the elderly people in its care. The RA5 Officer wants to help you achieve this by giving whatever assistance he can.
12 Licensing under the Telecommunications Act 1984
Under the terms of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (the "T Act"), all telecommunications systems, with a few exceptions that would not be relevant for the types of system dealt with here, must be licensed under the T Act. The "Class Licence for Running of Self-Provided Telecommunications Systems" issued in August 1991 permits the running of self-provided telecommunications systems provided that all messages, on the system either originate or terminate with the operator of the system and the operator receives no financial benefit either direct or indirect from the provision of services over the system.
Copies of the Class licence may be obtained from the Library of the Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL) at the address given below. OFTEL has responability for the interpretation of licences issued under the T Act and can advise on individual cases (see contact point at the end of this paragraph). However, they have given general advice that, where a local authority is running an alarm system, the proviso in the Class Licence that all messages on the system either originate or terminate with the operator is satisfied where all messages are passed to or from an employee of the authority such as a warden.
Office of Telecommunications Library
Room 215
Export House
50 Ludgate Hill
EC4M 7HJ
London
020 7822 1694
Contact point for enquiries about licensing of alarm systems under the T Act:
OFTEL 2A 020 7822 1523/1631
13 Further Information on Alarms
The Class Licence will permit connection of such systems to public switched networks and private circuits leased form public telecommunications operators.
For application forms, specifications referred to in this sheet, or any further information please contact:
Local Authority Emergency Alarm Licensing Unit
Private Business Systems (PBS) Section
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
020 7211 0194
We will be happy to help you.
14 General Information on Radio Use
Contact the Agency's 24 Hour Telephone Enquiry System: 020 7211 0211
Please read these notes carefully before completing this form.
The application form must be completed by the prospective licensee. If you should wish to make any changes to the system as specified in this application, please submit details of the proposed change to the Agency.
Note 1
Under the terms of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, it is an offence to install or use radio apparatus, except under and in accordance with a licence issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (except for devices specifically exempted from licensing).
Note 2
Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to the Radiocommunications Agency and crossed "A/C Payee". The appropriate fee should be forwarded with the application form to the Accounts Office in Newport. The address is at the end of the application form. The current licence fee is given at the end of the application form. However, licence fees are subject to annual review and if you have held this form for sometime you are welcome to contact either your supplier, who will be aware of the correct fee, or the Agency at the London address given at the end of these notes.
Note 3
The licence is renewable every 12 months by sending the appropriate fee to our Accounts Officer in Newport. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure the licence is renewed on or before the date it expires, although you can normally expect to receive a reminder about one month before the fee is due quoting the fee in force at the time.
Note 4
If you are an existing Licensee and are using this form to request a change in your current operational frequency you should not send a fee with this application. In such cases you should return this form to our London address given at the end of these notes and not our Accounts Branch. Your existing licence should be renewed annually in the normal way as described in Note 3 above.
Note 5
The submission of an application form for a licence does not permit operation of the equipment until the licence has been received by the applicant. To ensure that emergency alarm systems are installed in such a way to effect correct operation and to help the user a member of the Agency's local district staff will deliver the licence to the user premises. He will attend and may be accompanied by a representative of the supplier and will check the base station installation and also on any number of outstations. He will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Note 6
As the name of the licence implies, it is available only to local authorities and covers only the running of emergency alarm systems for the elderly or infirm.
Note 7
Equipment used must be type approved by the Agency in accordance with equipment specification MPT 1357 or one of its predecessors MPT 1301, MPT 1303 or W6771.
Note 8
Although specific frequencies are allocated exclusively for Local Authority (Emergency Alarm) systems by the Agency, individual frequencies are not assigned on an exclusive basis to any one particular local authority. Suppliers will, therefore, take care when planning the frequency which will be used to avoid co-channel interference.
Note 9
The equipment must not cause undue interference to any other wireless telegraphy equipment. If it does you may be required to cease transmitting until the cause of the interference has been rectified. No protection can be given from interference radiated by other authorised services or from industrial scientific and medical equipment. But if you do have problems you should contact your supplier in the first instance. Should you have any questions concerning the completion of this form or require further advice, you are welcome to contact:
Private Business Systems (PBS) Section
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
020 7211 0194
We will be happy to help you.
For further information on other radio matters contact the Agency's 24 hour Telephone Enquiry Service: 020 7211 0211
| RA209 Rev.4 March 1996 |
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