This is the Licensing Procedures Manual for the Broadcasting, Programme-Making and Multimedia Unit. It complements the more general licensing policy and procedures described in the Licensing Policy Manual of the Radiocommunications Agency ('the Agency').

This Manual provides information specifically relevant to the licensing of Sound and Television Broadcasting.

BPMU is comprised of 7 separate specialist sectors. They are:

Television Broadcasting

Satellite and MVDS

Spectrum Policy, Pricing, Licensing and Resource

Programme Making and Special Events

Sound Broadcasting

Broadcasting Standards and Spectrum Capability

Broadband Wireless Fixed Access

The Head of the Business Unit is DAVE TOMAN and the unit consists of 35 staff (including the Unit manager and current vacancies). See Annex A for Organogram.

• Television Broadcasting Section: Responsible for providing technical appraisal of international and national co-ordination of analogue and digital terrestrial television frequencies.
• Sound Broadcasting Section: Responsible for providing technical appraisal of international and national co-ordination of analogue and digital terrestrial sound broadcast (radio) frequencies.
• Broadband Wireless Fixed Access Section: Responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring a new licensing regime for Broadband Wireless Fixed Access Operators at 28GHz and 40GHz.
• Programme Making and Special Events Section: Responsible for managing the licensing arrangements administered by the Agency’s external contractor (currently JFMG Ltd), whose remit is to administer and manage all spectrum associated with the programme making and special events sector including outside broadcasting (OB) and electronic news gathering (ENG). This includes maintenance of suitable licensing and fee regimes. The section is also responsible for clearing frequencies for large (mainly sporting events) and granting licences where such events fall outside of the contractor’s remit (in particular the Formula One Motor Racing Grand Prix).
• Spectrum Policy, Pricing, Licensing and Resources Section: Responsible for licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 ('the 1949 Act') for analogue and digital terrestrial television and radio services, including short use licences (28 day Restricted Service Licences), Hospital and Student Radio. The section is also responsible for developing Agency policy associated with the Broadcasting Sector.
• Broadcasting Standards and Spectrum Capability Section: Responsible for Sound Broadcasting sharing issues in, and emerging from, for and including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Conference European Des Administrations Des Postes et Telecommunication (CEPT). The section is also involved in the formation of broadcasting equipment standards. In addition the section acts as the unit’s notifying body under the auspices of the European EMC Directive and required to represent the UK’s interest in the standards arena on broadband cable distribution.
• Satellite and MVDS Section: Responsible for the management and regulation of satellite broadcasting activities in the UK within the ITU designated frequency bands of the Broadcasting-Satellite Services (BSS). These activities include frequency co-ordination work on behalf of operators in the UK and our overseas territories, and regulatory activities within CEPT and ITU.

Table of Frequency used by Broadcasting, Programme-Making and Multimeadeia Services

NATO Band 225 - 230 MHz
Channels 36 & 38 used for radars and Radio Astronomy.
BSkyB make use of BSS Spectrum between 10.8 - 11.7 GHz for their television outside broadcasts

The BBC is a public corporation established under Royal Charter whose principal object is to provide public sound and television broadcast services.

Among these public services, the BBC provides local (e.g. Radio Kent), regional (e.g. Radio Scotland), and national (e.g. Radio 4) sound programme services employing frequencies allocated to it for these purposes by the Government.

The BBC provides five UK-wide analogue sound programme services, four of which use frequencies in the FM band, national / regional sound programme services for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on FM, and 39 local sound programme services, predominantly county based, on FM.

The Radio Authority officially began its regulatory and licensing role on 1 January 1991 when the Broadcasting Act 1990 ('the 1990 Act') came into force.

The Radio Authority issues sound broadcasting licences and regulates all independent radio services. These comprise national, local, cable national FM sub-carrier, satellite and restricted services. The latter includes all ‘short term’ freely radiating services (for example special event radio) and highly localised permanent services such as hospital and student radio. The Radio Authority also licenses digital radio services both national and local.

The Radio Authority is responsible for monitoring the obligations of its licensees required by the 1990 Act and also the Broadcasting Act 1996 ('the 1996 Act'). The Radio Authority has three main tasks: to plan frequencies; to appoint licensees with a view to broadening listener choice; and to regulate programming and advertising. It is required, after consultation, to publish its codes. These cover programmes, advertising and sponsorship and engineering.

Licensees pay annual fees to the Radio Authority and application fees are charged to applicants applying for licences. The Radio Authority also issue the holders of radio broadcasting licences a licence under the 1949 Act and collect the associated fees on behalf of the Agency.

The ITC is the public body responsible for licensing and regulating commercially funded television services including Channel 3 (ITV), Channel 4 and Channel 5, Teletext and a range of cable, local delivery and satellite services under the terms of the 1990 Act. New technology is opening the way for a greatly increased number of television channels and related services at local, national and international levels. The ITC license a variety of different services and regulate these through licence conditions, and through its various codes, e.g. on programme content, advertising sponsorship and technical standards.

The ITC’s activities extend to the following related matters:

A 'Broadcasting' service' is defined as a radiocommunication service in which the transmissions are intended for direct reception by the general public. This service may incorporate sound transmissions, television transmissions, multi-media transmissions and data services. Broadcasting makes use of 'point-to-everywhere' information delivery to widely available consumer receivers.

Spectrum for broadcasting is allocated on an exclusive basis. Primarily commercial broadcasters and the BBC use the spectrum. For sound broadcasting, spectrum is divided up in to bands for BBC and non-BBC services licensed and regulated by the Radio Authority, though there is some sharing between the two. The UHF television band is shared, for planning purposes, between the BBC and the ITC. Broadcasters also have spectrum available in the 12 GHz band (for satellite broadcasting) and in the 40.5 to 42.5 GHz band (for local delivery service — so called wireless cable — operators).

The BBC provides five UK-wide analogue sound programme services and two national television services. The totality of spectrum set aside for sound broadcasting is allocated to the BBC (under the terms of the BBC Charter), and the Radio Authority and the ITC (under the terms of the 1990 Act), for planning purposes. Within the framework of the BBC Charter and the legislation it is largely a matter for the two planning bodies to determine the number, coverage and pattern of broadcasting stations within this quantum of spectrum.

A feature of both sound and television broadcasting is that spectrum limitations currently constrain the number of services that can be offered terrestrially. In the case of television and FM radio, the current spectrum allocation is more or less full. In a separate exercise the Agency, along with the BBC and the Radio Authority, are reviewing the use of the FM band with a view to examining the potential for further radio stations to deal with the continuing demand to provide services.

There are a number of possible methods for relieving congestion of the spectrum, and the scope for alternative uses or users of the spectrum, taking into account technical factors and any international co-ordination issues that may apply. Over the long term broadcasters using analogue technology could switch to digital technology. This could release a significant amount of spectrum either for more broadcasting services or for other uses such as mobile communications. Broadcasters could also switch to alternative delivery mediums, such as cable, satellite, Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) or Microwave Video Distribution Systems (MVDS).

The first stage in planning assignments is to ensure efficient use of the spectrum and compatibility with other UK and foreign broadcast services. Proposed assignments with planned coverage areas for their respective services are submitted from the BBC and the Radio Authority for technical approval by the UK Radio Assignment and Co-ordination Group (RACG).

The BBC and the Radio Authority alternately chair the RACG. The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), receives papers.

The next stage is to carry out a check for aeronautical compatibility, consulting the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (for Band II services only). Aeronautical and communication services are sometimes the subject of difficulty, being accommodated in the Band immediately above 108 MHz. Safety of life system necessitates careful assessment of any possible interference from Band II FM broadcast services. By national clearances users of the radio spectrum are consulted to ensure that the proposed transmission will not interfere with other radio services.

The NFAP is an inter-departmental group under the Cabinet Office. Its purpose is to ensure that all proposals for use and access to the radio spectrum have been fully assessed and co-ordinated with the relevant area primary users of the specific frequency bands. It acts as a ‘rubber stamping’ exercise. The Panel consists of representatives from the CAA, MoD, GCHQ, MCA, HO, SO, Cable and Wireless and BT. It is chaired by the Agency who, as spectrum managers, ensures impartiality and fairness in relation to all applications for the spectrum. The following diagram shows its structure.

Site Clearance is the request to allow a specific site to erect a radio transmitter mast. Currently

Fixed Links and Very Small Aperture Terminals are the only services which have been exempt from site clearance and only if they meet the following requirements:

International co-ordination involves foreign administrations and ensures that the proposed assignment is in accordance with international agreements, specifically that it would not cause unacceptable or suffer undue interference to or from services overseas.

All sound broadcast transmissions must be licensed under the 1949 Act. This requires that proposed assignments be cleared for use in accordance with internationally agreed transmission characteristics. The frequency co-ordination process includes assessing the effect of potential interference with other broadcast assignments in the band and adjacent band services.

The totality of the spectrum set aside for sound broadcasting purposes is allocated to the BBC (under the terms of the BBC Charter ) and the Radio Authority (under the terms of the 1990 and 1996 Acts) for planning purposes. Within the framework of the Charter and the legislation it is largely a matter for the two planning bodies to determine the number, coverage and pattern of broadcasting stations within this quantum of spectrum.

The Agency recognises that there is insufficient spectrum to facilitate similar casting of digital and analogue, local and national sound broadcasting services until local and national multiplexes have been established. The Agency, supported by the Radio Authority and the BBC are conducting a study into the current use of the FM spectrum (88-108 MHz), the efficiency with which it has been planned and the scope for planning additional services.

The Sound Broadcasting section of BPMU is responsible for over-viewing broadcasting frequency assignments made by the BBC and the Radio Authority, ensuring that efficient use is being made of spectrum, and obtaining both international and national clearance for these assignments. Co-ordination requests are also received from foreign administrations and these are considered in conjunction with the UK broadcasters for compatibility with our own transmitters.

International co-ordination of sound broadcasting stations within Europe is carried out in accordance with various international treaties/agreements as follows:

All these agreements involve the initial development of a plan for a basic network of high-powered transmitters, which is agreed at a major conference. Subsequent actions involve activating stations already in this plan, adding stations or modifying stations already in the plan. These actions are usually to enable provision of additional networks, provide new BBC or ILR transmitters, or to add ‘fill in’ relay stations.

Parameters such as field strengths to be protected, propagation models, rules concerning which countries need to be consulted, time scales for responses etc. are all agreed at the conference and specified in the appropriate agreement.

To aid the planning and co-ordination of Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting (T-DAB), the concept of an allotment plan was developed at a meeting in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1995. The aim of the plan was to accommodate first and second priority allotments for each CEPT administrations by investigating whether a T-DAB network will cause potential interference to other administrations’ services. This is done using the concept of test points and Single Frequency reference networks (allotments).

For the addition of new or modified allotments and for the conversion of allotments, the following procedure is followed:

• The new/modified allotment is sent in by the relevant administration to the European Radio Office (ERO), who in turn publish and send to other administrations the allotment details. These allotment details are then co-ordinated and agreed (see flowchart labelled Article 4 procedure: Annex B).

For conversion of allotments into one or more assignments, the following is applied:

• When the T-DAB allotment is to be implemented as a set of real transmitters, the details are sent to the ERO who again publish and send the details to the various administrations, which are then co-ordinated and agreed. When an allotment is implemented and the real transmitters are used, the allotment is said to be converted into an assignment, (the full process for this is shown in the flowchart labelled Article 6 procedure: Annex C).

Although these procedures were developed some time ago they remain essentially the same today though some of the meetings have been replaced by e-mail communication. Standard forms are exchanged between countries. However, there are moves to encourage the use of electronic data exchange both between individual countries and with the ITU.

The procedure for Wiesbaden DAB assignments is somewhat different as it is a European agreement between CEPT administrations.

Details of the allotment plan and the methodology for their conversion into assignments can be found in the Wiesbaden and Bonn CEPT Agreements, which can be obtained from the CEPT.

Site clearance and NFAP clearances are handled by RA1, however there is a potentially serious threat of interference to aeronautical navigational services from VHF Band II transmitters. Therefore the technical parameters of all Band II transmitters are tested against an aeronautical database using a computer model and where necessary, technical solutions are agreed with the CAA.

Bilateral meetings can be held for a number of reasons, usually to discuss major planning changes in a band, or to negotiate if there are a number of outstanding co-ordination difficulties. Several bilateral meetings have recently been held with our near European neighbours to resolve Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) planning difficulties.

Various computer propagation prediction models are used. They are selected depending on the specific problem that needs to be addressed.

These models are used in conjunction with various broadcast transmitter databases for both UK and foreign broadcasting transmitters or with an aeronautical navigation services database. Programs are selected as considered appropriate for determining coverage or compatibility with other services. Programs are also used for generating custom ITU forms. (e.g. TO1 etc.)

Programs include the following:

Consideration is presently being given to the purchase of a more comprehensive prediction tool produced by Advanced Topography Development Industries.

The ITU and ERO are currently generating much software with a view to increasing the degree of electronic exchange of data.

Click on image to download

International frequency co-ordination of TV broadcasting stations in Europe is carried out in accordance with the Stockholm 1961 (ST61) plan, which is an international treaty that was signed by 35 countries. The assignments in the original ‘green field’ plan have been much extended and modified since 1961, although some countries have developed their analogue terrestrial television networks to a far greater extent than others.

Co-ordination procedures between administrations are described in Article 4 of ST61 (see Annex B). The ways in which these procedures have been implemented within the RA are shown in the attached flow chart (see page 24). Note that this flow chart shows the procedure for a conventional analogue TV station involving an outgoing co-ordination request.

The TV Broadcasting section is also responsible for analysing and responding to incoming co-ordination requests from other countries. In assessing the impact on UK services and acceptability of an incoming request for co-ordination, the opinion of the broadcasters’ service planners is routinely sought.

Up to recent years, the main tools used to carry out TV frequency co-ordination work have been:

The broadcasters and transmission companies (BBC, NTL and Crown Castle) carry out the planning of TV stations in the broadcasting bands. The broadcasters’ proposals are examined and technically approved in the Television Planning Group (TPG). The terrestrial TV broadcasting section has available only an elementary frequency planning capability that requires a significant amount of manual effort to operate. It is mainly used to audit individual cases and to carry out the examination needed for special frequency assignment tasks (e.g. related to T&D, Radar and Radio astronomy inter-service sharing). The main computer tool used for this purpose is the ASPECT 3 service planning software.

ST61 did not strictly cover digital TV co-ordination, since it was not an available technology at the time. To address this issue an extra-ordinary meeting of the CEPT was held which resulted in 'The Chester 1997 multilateral co-ordination agreement relating to technical criteria, co-ordination principles and procedures for the introduction of terrestrial digital video broadcasting (DVB-T)'. CH97 is, however, still based on ST61 (i.e. it is not a total revision of ST61) Co-ordination procedures between administrations are described in Article 4 of CH97 (see Annex B). The features of CH97 which have resulted in significant changes in the work of the Agency and other administrations include:

The terrestrial TV broadcasting section now uses the CEPT format on a regular basis. It has been using a 'Q&A' database for this purpose, but is in the process of changing to Access. Details of the progress in international co-ordination are kept in an 'Excel' spreadsheet, as are the records of incoming and outgoing co-ordination and their associated dates for response. At the same time the ITU have changed the form of notification from the old AP1/A4 form to a new T02 form, making the old form printing software largely obsolete.

Following on from the Chester 1997 meeting, the ERO have produced a series of computer software modules (the 'COCOT' CD-ROM) to facilitate many of the processes described in the CH97 agreement.

In practice, international frequency co-ordination of TV stations is not as straightforward or automatic as implied by the CH97 procedures and their associated flow charts. Countries who for one reason or another wish to delay their own or other countries introduction of digital TV are able to find ways of doing so within the rules of CH97. Conversely, countries that are keen to see the universal adoption of digital TV often need to agree bilaterally on ways of relaxing restrictions (i.e. to ‘go beyond’ CH97) to enable both countries to have a viable service. This is especially true whilst we are trying to squeeze both analogue and digital services into the same amount of spectrum. For this reason it is necessary to enter into bilateral meetings with neighbouring countries to achieve progress in the co-ordination of digital TV.

RA1 Spectrum Policy Executive are responsible for the co-ordination and business development of the radio spectrum, advising on all aspects of UK spectrum management policy and co-ordinates international policy to ensure that UK interests are represented world-wide. Within this Executive there are a number of individual business units

RA1 International Regulations Unit as the point of contact for the UK’s international communications with other administrations and are responsible for international frequency co-ordination and notification. BPMU’s traditional interaction with RA1 with respect to national and international site and frequency clearance and co-ordination is indicated in Annex B. This flow chart relates to straightforward analogue TV co-ordination procedures. It is largely based on the exchange of information in hardcopy form and records held within registered files. Departure from this process is now often caused by (amongst other things) the outcome of bilateral meetings, direct requests for the electronic transfer of information, and political considerations. Special dispensations to allow digital TV station to transmit on a no-interference no-protection basis, pending formal co-ordination agreement, also tend to disrupt the normal procedure. However, since CH97 is fundamentally based on ST61 procedures, the process shown in the flow chart is still generally applicable, but it is recognised that it could be further developed to better accommodate recent changes.

Contact with the ITU results from application of the ST61 and CH97 procedures. The ITU are updating their notification procedures, which has recently dictated the change from the old (hardcopy) AP1A4 forms to the new T02 form (which provides for both hardcopy and SGML electronic information exchange). Since initial contact between administrations normally uses CEPT format data, there is a consequent need to convert from CEPT format to T02 format for submission to the ITU.

Other working relationships with the ITU result from the UK’s participation in relevant ITU Study Groups and Working Parties. This work impacts upon the detailed technical criteria used in frequency assignment and co-ordination.

The main contact that the TV Broadcasting section has with the CEPT is via CEPT FM Project Team 24. The work of PT24 relating to technical criteria and planning parameters for DTT led up to the CH97 agreement. It continues to monitor DTT implementation and to consider the approach towards a future all-digital scenario, including preparation for a conference to update ST61, to be held possibly around 2005. Participation in PT24 and any in future planning conference is essential to ensure that the UK can influence the way in which broadcasting spectrum is used in the future.

In view of the need to be able to participate effectively in discussions on the future of DTT and assess alternative proposals for the use of broadcasting spectrum, the Agency intends to invest in a comprehensive computer software package to enable meaningful studies to be carried out. This package will interact with existing databases, with the aim of achieving fuller integration of the co-ordination process.

The 1949 Act with relation to the Broadcasters

The BBC, ITC and Radio Authority do not own, build or operate the transmission networks; this service is provided by either National Transcommunications Limited (NTL), Crown Castle UK Limited (CCL), or another independent transmission provider. (The BBC primarily use CCL and the ITC and the Radio Authority primarily use NTL Broadcasters are licensed by agreement under the BBC Charter and under the terms of the 1990 and 1996 Acts. However, pursuant to the 1949 Act, it is the transmission provider that will hold the WT Act Licence.

Following an agreement with the Agency, the Radio Authority and the ITC can issue 1949 Act licences. The 1949 Act licence enables the holder to use specific, nominated frequencies to broadcast a service. Under current legislation the 1949 Act licence cannot be issued until a 1990 and 1996 Act licence has been issued by either the Radio Authority (in the case of independent local and national radio) or the ITC (in the case of independent television services). The 1949 Act licence is then issued to the transmission provider of the service (such and NTL or CCL).

The Radio Authority and the ITC are also responsible for the collection of the 1949 Act licence fee in accordance with the current pricing regime.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998 ('1998 Act') introduces new ways of setting licence fees for radio spectrum. Previously fees were linked to the cost of issuing licences. This was economically irrational, as it gave little or no incentive to use spectrum more efficiently, and unfair to smaller business who paid far more pro rata on a cost recovery basis than the large users of the spectrum. Instead, the 1998 Act provides for licence fees to be set by regulation (i.e. administrative) pricing or by spectrum auctions where the market will determine the value of the spectrum.

Currently, the Agency's fees for analogue sound broadcasting are based on the adult (aged 15+) population coverage for a particular licence area. In determining the fees, the coverage figures are rounded down to the nearest hundred thousand (except where the total coverage is less than one hundred thousand). The fee is currently £509 for every hundred thousand people covered by a station’s VHF transmitter (or £339 where the total coverage by VHF transmitters is less than one hundred thousand); and £339 for every hundred thousand people covered by a medium wave transmitter (or £260 where the total coverage by a medium wave transmitter is less than one hundred thousand). The Radio Authority and the BBC produce the predicted population coverage figures. Currently these fees do not reflect the true economic value of the spectrum used and it is the Agency’s remit to determine and set the value accordingly. The figure that the Agency has determined its fees is based on cost recovery.

Digital transmissions have just started. Licensees are currently not paying anything for licences pending the introduction of spectrum pricing in Broadcasting. We are currently seeking to understand the economic value of the spectrum and thereby the fees to be charged in respect of broadcasting. We will also need to consider new licensing and fee algorithms, which will need to incorporate also wholesale changes to the system for analogue licensing. As digital technology uses the spectrum more efficiently, the nominal value used in the algorithm should reflect this.

The RSL class of licence is a licence covering a 28-day period permitting the use of a specific location using a specific frequency or specific frequencies. It is administered by the Radio Authority under an agreement with the Agency. The 1949 Act licence fee covers the relevant costs and activities of the Agency. VAT is not payable on licence fees. The 1949 Act fees are charged on a daily rate basis in accordance with a published tariff. (See website http://www.radioauthority.org.uk/Information/Other/tariff_table.htm). These fees become payable after a frequency has been cleared for use and the Radio Authority or the Agency will send out an invoice at that time.

The current fee regime for this class of licence is based on a ‘cost recovery’ basis under the terms of the 1949 Act. Pursuant to the 1998 Act the Agency has the ability to price the use of the spectrum. However, in order for us to deviate from the current regime we must issue a consultation document and seek the views of other Government Departments and Industry. We are currently in the process of drafting this document.

Until Industry has been consulted through the issuing of a Consultation Document, the Agency cannot deviate from the fee regime set under the 1949 Act. Therefore, the Agency does not currently charge a fee for digital television broadcasting.

This Section sets out the licensing procedures to be followed in BPMU in administrating licences in the broadcasting sector. These procedures include the distribution of 1949 Act licences and the collection of fees.

A 1949 Act licence is necessary for each person who wishes to transmit either television or sound broadcast services. [There is no ‘off the shelf’ application form for a 1949 Act licence.]

Restricted Radio ServiceLicence (RSL) – short-term (28 day maximum) sound broadcasting services associated with a particular event with power and geographical restrictions. A guidance note on these services is available from the Radio Authority. Contact details are given at the end of this manual.

Restricted Radio Services – Long Term (Long Term RSL) – Although similar to the RSL in power and geographical location these last for a twelve month period and are issued for Hospital/Student Radio. A guidance note on these services is available from the Radio Authority. Contact details are given at the end of this manual.

Independent Local Radio (ILR) – non-BBC commercial radio broadcast station with a defined geographical coverage area (Local/Regional). A guidance note on these services is available from the Radio Authority. Contact details are given at the end of this manual.

Independent National Radio (INR) – non-BBC commercial radio broadcast station with UK wide coverage. A guidance note on these services is available from the Radio Authority. Contact details are given at the end of this manual.

Restricted Television Services (TV-RSL) – short-term television broadcasting services associated with a particular event with power and geographical restrictions. A guidance note on these services is available from the Independent Television Commission. Contact details are given at the end of this manual.

The Radio Authority has a program for establishing new ILRs and INRs and for re-advertising existing ILRs. The stations each have a defined geographical coverage including a population coverage prediction. The Radio Authority receives applications in response to invitations for specific franchises. The 1949 Act licensing procedure needs to formally begin once the Radio Authority announces their intention to award the licence broadcasting franchise.

The Radio Authority sends out a Press Release advertising or re-advertising a local loop licence for a certain area. This information is added to the Sections ILR/INR Progress List and a new file is opened specific to that station.

The Radio Authority will send a predicted coverage brief to licence applicants. This is also copied to BPMU where it is added to the relevant file. The Radio Authority will issue a Press Release detailing applications received. This is copied the BPMU and also filed on the relevant file.

The Radio Authority will issue a Press Release stating which applicant has been awarded the licence. This is copied to BPMU and filed. The ILR/INR Progress List is also updated. BPMU receives a copy of the Radio Authority’s letter to the successful applicant. On receipt of this, the ‘First 1949 Act letter’ is sent to the ILR / INR company. (The letter may need to be varied depending on whether it is a new local franchise or a re-advertised station).

The fees for the station are explained in the letter. They are based on population coverage for that particular area. The coverage brief should hold the predicted coverage figures, however on occasions these are not included and the Radio Authority must be consulted.

In determining the fees, the coverage figures are rounded down to the nearest hundred thousand, (except where the total coverage is less than one hundred thousand). For current fees, refer to the Fees Regulations mentioned below.

In parallel, the Sound Broadcasting Section (SBS) is conducting work on the technical issues. (See Section B SOUND BROADCASTING - NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATION OF ASSIGNMENTS). The SBS licensing staff must liase within SBS, if the ILR/INR has received National/International clearance and must check with RA1 International Regulations Unit (IRU) whether site clearance has been given. Only when these have been achieved should the licensing process continue.

The relevant ILR/INR company must write back in response to the ‘First 1949 Act letter’, to advise whether they intend to be the 1949 Act Licensee or whether they are using a contractor such as NTL or CCI. (If they choose to use a contractor then the contractor will be the Licensee.) They must also confirm when they intend to go on air. A draft licence schedule is sent to the prospective licensee to confirm the parameters.

An invoice for the licence fee (which was set out in the First 1949 Act letter) is sent, where possible, two months before they are due to go on air. The Fees Regulations is then consulted to ensure that no changes have been made to the pricing regime in the time elapsed.

The 1949 Act licence is sent to the Licence holder five working days before the on-air date.

ILR companies normally test their equipment and the allocated frequency before going on-air. This is called a test transmission. If requested, a test transmission licence can be issued free of charge. However, the start and finish dates of the test licence are specified on the licence. The test licence expires at the end of this period (usually one day before the main 1949 Act licence is issued.

In some cases it may be possible for the licensee to operate with reduced powers and other conditions until full international clearance is received. In cases like this a 1949 Act licence is issued on a non-interference, no protection basis.

Once full clearance has been received the Agency will inform the licensee that the licence no longer has to be used within the parameters of a non-interference, no protection basis. A revised 1949 Act licence will then be dispatched.

Copies of all licence documentation are sent to the Radio Authority and the Agency’s Radio Investigation Service (RIS).

Applications are made directly to the Radio Authority (see Section J for Address). They complete their technical assessment and checks have been made on details, such as dates, periods and locations requested, then assign a frequency. Once a frequency is assigned the application is then submitted to the NFAP for approval were international and national, and site clearance are requested.

When approval has been given by the NFAP and site, national and/or international clearances have been received the fee for the 1949 Act licence is calculated. This is based on the frequency/(ies) used, the power and the duration. A current list of the fees can be found in the Fees Regulations or at the following website:

http://www.radioauthority.org.uk/Information/Other/tariff_table.htm.

The Radio Authority distributes the licences and collects the fees on the Agency’s behalf. The Radio Authority is invoiced every three months for these fees. The total fees are calculated from an Excel Spreadsheet which is maintained by BPMU and which lists the RSLs, their fees and those that the Radio Authority have invoiced already.

Each time a new licence is issued the list of current and future services is updated and circulated to the RIS.

Statutory Instruments (SIs) are detailed rules or regulations made under powers contained in an Act of Parliament. SIs are also known as secondary legislation since they flow from primary legislation. The Agency sets licence fees by SIs made under the powers of the 1998 Act. NB: The principal SI is the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1774 as amended by SIs 1999/3243, 2000//1678 and 2001/2265). These SIs can be accessed at the following address:

http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1999/19991774.htm

The Licensing Procedures for Broadband Fixed Wireless Access (BFWA)

In November 2000 the first award of 28 GHz Broadband Fixed Wireless Access Spectrum Licences took place. There were 42 licences made available in 14 regions throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 16 Licences were sold covering 60% of the population 26 remained unsold.

After consultation with Industry the Agency decided to hold a second award process for the remaining 26 licences and on 15 October 2001 the licences were made available over a twelve-month period. No bids had been received when the Agency closed the award process on 14 October 2002. The Agency published another consultation document proposing a new award process for unsold licences. After considering the responses, the Agency has now:

• modified the "purpose of use" condition within new and existing licences, to allow the deployment of any fixed service;
• removed the "use it or lose it" condition within new and existing licences; and
• is currently considering offering smaller licence regions, on the basis of pre-determined areas (e.g. county licences), or by operators nominating the areas they want, or by licensing individual base stations, for a third award process which will commence Winter 2003.

The WT licence is granted at the end of an award process on receipt of a licence fee for a period of 15 years. A BFWA operator requires licences under both the Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Telecommunications act (http:// www.oftel.gov.uk) and depending on the services they wish to provide it is possible that they may also require a Broadcasting Act Licence (www.itc.org.uk).

The co-ordination requirements for BFWA operators are set out in Agency information sheet 390. Operators are encouraged to co-operate to resolve co-existence problems but the Agency will arbitrate if necessary. More detailed information about BFWA can be obtained from our website under 'BFWA'.

Introduction

The British Grand Prix generally takes place in July and is currently held at the Silverstone circuit. Test sessions for teams take place throughout the year.

The licensing procedures for the Grand Prix

The participating teams are written to by the Programme Making and Special Events licensing teams. This is generally done in January, enclosing application forms, and requesting details of frequencies required for the British Grand Prix.

The participating teams are written to by the Programme Making and Special Events licensing team.This is generally in January enclosing application forms, and requesting details of frequencies required for the British Grand Prix.

Once applications from teams are received, a co-ordination minute is sent to the necessary sections within the Agency and JFMG (if they are concerned with requested frequencies) requesting temporary use of the frequencies in June/July at Silverstone or government suggested alternatives. Any requests for Home Office and MoD frequencies should be sent to the appropriate contact within the Agency. A request is also made for the use of any spare channels sections may have in 450 MHz to 470 MHz (as these are particularly useful).

Co-ordination and clearance for all the test sessions are also required.

Care is taken to ensure that the same frequency is not assigned to the same team unless engineers believe this 'sharing' is possible. A list of teams/frequencies is created in alphabetical and numerical order ensuring that frequencies and bandwidths do not overlap.

The sections should come back stating which frequencies the teams may use plus, if necessary, suggested alternative frequencies and, if possible, spare channels. The teams are then contacted informing them of the frequencies agreed and offering alternatives for those that have not been agreed. The letter will also include the licence fee required and an explanation to the teams on how to pay by international money order in sterling or by other alternative methods.

The fee structure is based on the current fee structure for Programme Making and Special Events sector. The fees are determined by the power, bandwidth and area of spectrum required. Once the cost is determined an offer of the available spectrum is issued to the Teams together with an invoice. The aim is for this to be achieved by March/April.

It is the aim of the section for all the fees to be collected prior to the Grand Prix taking place.

Once all frequencies have been agreed by the teams, a spreadsheet, including all allocations, is sent to the Local Office concerned (Peterborough for Silverstone) and JFMG.

Introduction

Voice Privacy is a method of altering speech content of a radio system such that a casual eavesdropper or co-channel user will be unable to gain any useful information about the content of the radio traffic being sent.

Types of Voice Privacy Systems Permitted

Various methods of voice privacy are available varying in complexity and hence level of security they provide. The Agency will only permit the use of analogue voi