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Licensing Requirements for Private Mobile Radio Systems Configured as "Watchschemes" |
| IMPORTANT – Please note that the Radiocommunications Agency intends to embark on a major programme of frequency changes in the 450-470 MHz band. Customers using or intending to use this band are strongly advised to read information sheet RA410 for further information. |
1. This information sheet details the Agency's policy covering the licensing requirements relating to any body wishing to establish and licence a "Watch" type scheme, making use of Private Mobile Radio (PMR), to assist the operation of that scheme.
2. Over the last few years increases in crime have led to the formation of various "Watchschemes". These schemes provide increased security for businesses and property, providing communications in the event of any incident. Typically these "Watchschemes" are set up by a group of individuals or other organisations, such as shops, with similar interests, for example, a group of retailers forming a town centre "Shopwatch" scheme.
3. Radio communication, such as PMR, is frequently used to provide the necessary communication between all the members of the scheme. All such systems using PMR must be licensed in accordance with the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, and associated legislation.
4. PMR licences can only be issued to a legal entity; namely an individual, partnership, limited company or incorporated association.
5. A licence cannot be issued in the name of a body which does not have legal status, e.g. a group formed merely to provide funding for the purchase and running of a "Watchscheme".
6. It is common practice for a licence to be held by an individual member of the group, however it should be noted that in such cases the licence "belongs" to that individual, who is responsible for compliance with the terms of the licence. Should they cease to be a member of the group, a new licence will need to be applied for.
7. Any equipment forming part of the system can only be used by members of the group. The equipment must at all times be under the control of the licensee. In most cases, due to the very nature of "Watchschemes", the licensee will not be physically present at each site where the equipment is located and used.
8. The Agency therefore requires all applicants to show the method of control that will be adopted. This must be in the form of a contract; other than a monetary agreement, between the licensee and individual users of the group. This contract must be signed by, or on behalf of groups wishing to use the system before their use of the "Watchscheme" commences.
9. Such a contract must lay out the operational requirements of the equipment, in line with the terms and conditions detailed in the licence, and the penalty which will be imposed should improper use occur. A copy of the intended contract must be submitted with the application for a licence.
10. Where companies are formed to provide "Watchschemes", a single licence would be issued to the company, with additional schedules issued relating to the areas of operation. In these cases a local management group, composed of local users of the system, must be formed and take responsibility for overseeing at a local level the operation of the "Watchsheme".
11. A named individual from the local management group, whom the Agency can contact, should be provided, and detailed in the application for a licence or additional service. These details will then be shown on the schedule.
12. Because of the diverse nature of "Watchschemes", the Agency requires a list of users of the system to be provided to the Local Office in the area in which the system operates. This must be kept up to date by the licensee to ensure an accurate record of users exists. This enables any possible interference problems to be speedily resolved, in the absence of the licensee.
13. Some local Police forces wish to be involved with the operation of "Watchschemes"; indeed in some areas management of such schemes is provided by local Police staff.
14. Provision of a number of units forming part of the system to Police Officers in the area of the scheme, or the local closed circuit TV control room is acceptable, provided such units are declared in the total number of units licensed for use by the "Watchscheme".
15. Home Office guidance may need to be sought by a Police Force in some cases where the installation of the "Watchscheme" frequency into Police equipment is being considered.
16. Again this is acceptable to the Agency provided the units are declared in the total number of units on the "Watchscheme" licence, and the Police equipment concerned meets the relevant current specification for PMR.
17. Applicants should note that due to the extensive use of some UHF frequencies in most built up areas of the United Kingdom, a UHF assignment can be difficult, and an assignment within an alternative band may have to be made.
18. Provision of special facilities such as "Talkthrough" on a licence, (which allows each unit to talk directly to another through a base unit), may be subject to restraint in line with current Agency policy, details are contained in information sheet RA263 available from the Agency's library.
19. It is recommended that applicants do not purchase any equipment until a licence schedule has been issued, detailing the frequency and facilities the Agency is prepared to licence.
20. Enquiries regarding the licensing of "Watchschemes" should initially be directed to the Agency's relevant Local Office. Details are available on information sheet RA206.
21. For further details and information sheets contact:
The Information
and Library Service
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX`
Telephone: 020 7211 0502 or
0505
Fax: 020 7211 0507
E-mail: library@ra.gsi.gov.uk
| RA
324 (Rev 3) June 2002 |
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