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Data Services on Shared Private Mobile Radio (PMR) Channels |
Introduction
This information sheet outlines the Radiocommunications Agency's policy on the licensing of data for shared wide area channels. Customers using national or exclusive channels do not have to follow the policy as defined in this information sheet.
Background
In 1993 the Radiocommunications Agency introduced "data dominant" channels in response to demand from users with a need for intensive use of data traffic on PMR. Users requesting data were given two choices. An interim access protocol for those intending to use their existing unmodified equipment to send short burst data or the more sophisticated protocol MPT1379 for those needing to send longer data messages. By the end of July 2000, the use of the interim access protocol was no longer allowed. This left users with MPT1379 as the data option for shared wide area channels. As the initial demand for data was accommodated within the available spectrum, MPT1379 was a more than adequate protocol for providing data communications on PMR. However as the demand for data services has grown, to the point where heavy co-channel use has to be implemented in areas of congestion, MPT1379 has been found to be unworkable. The Radiocommunications Agency together with industry reached the firm conclusion that, for new data users, a clear break was needed from MPT1379. The introduction of a new licensing regime would alleviate the problems being experienced and encourage the introduction and use of a more spectrum-efficient licensing environment. In recognition of this fact RA together with members of the radio industry set about designing a new channel access procedure that could satisfy the needs of data users, both now and for the future. The result was the creation of IR2008.
What is IR2008?
IR2008 is not a standard but rather a new channel access procedure for data on PMR introduced in July 2002. IR2008 is a licence condition for shared wide area data channels that is non-prescriptive on technology, modulation scheme, bit rate or protocol.
How does it work?
IR2008 takes a two frequency simplex RF channel and divides each leg into eight time slots. Dependant on the type of channel required the time slots would be either 250 milliseconds or 500 milliseconds in duration as shown in the diagram below.
Currently there are channels available in VHF Low Band and VHF Mid Band for IR2008 applications.
How much will it cost?
The licence fee is £25 per time slot renewable each year. This fee is applicable to both 250 millisecond and 500 millisecond time slots. The fee is based on the value of a PBR Wide Area system operating in a non-congested band with effective exclusive use of the channel. The value of that spectrum has been further subdivided by a factor of 16 to reflect the number of synchronised time slots that can be used on a single channel.
How many timeslots can I have?
For each base station site up to a maximum of four timeslots are permitted. Applications for more than 4 slots will be considered on a case by case basis.
The timeslots can be of any configuration provided that at least one timeslot is on the Base Transmit leg. It is also possible for the timeslots to be spread over different channels. For example, a single site may be licensed to use base transmit timeslot 1 and mobile transmit timeslot 6 on channel A with base transmit timeslot 3 and mobile transmit timeslot 3 assigned on channel B. It is also permissible to have three base transmit timeslots and one mobile transmit timeslot or vice versa.
What about equipment standards?
All equipment used must comply with the United Kingdom Radio Interface Requirement published by the RA in accordance with Article 4.1 of Directive 1999/5/EC of the European parliament and the Council on Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) and the mutual recognition of their conformity. Equipment first placed on the market before 8 April 2000 must meet a current and relevant type approval specification. In this case the relevant Interface Requirements are IR2001 and IR 2008.
What is happening with MPT1379?
RA will accept applications for MPT1379 systems on shared wide area channels until 31st December 2003. However it is envisaged that all users of MPT1379 systems on shared wide area channels will be required to migrate to IR2008 during the next five to seven years. When the exact time scale is known the affected users will be notified.
How do I get a licence?
Applications for an IR2008 licence can be made online via the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk
Further information
For further information on IR2008, please contact:
Mark Redman
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
RA254 (Rev 5)
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