Further information on the following topics is available in the Agency's Licensing Policy Manual:

• Amendments/additions to licences and schedules
• Take-overs and transfers
• Licence revocation
• Licence exemptions
• Accounts procedures
• R & TTE Directive
• Enforcement
• Complaints procedure.

The above manual is available from:

Information and Library Service
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX

Tel: 020 7211 0502/0505
E-mail: library@ra.gsi.gov.uk

Alternatively, the manual is available on the Agency's website at: www.radio.gov.uk

Fixed Terrestrial and Satellite Links Unit

The Fixed Terrestrial and Satellite Links Unit (FTSLU) is the lead Business Unit within the RA dealing with licensing, assignment and spectrum management issues pertaining to the administration of the following services in geographical areas administered by RA:

• fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link;
• fixed 31GHz (point-to-multipoint) terrestrial links;
• scanning telemetry systems; and
• satellite links.

Details of relevant legislation are set out below.

Licensing Directive (Directive 97/13/EC)

The European Licensing Directive came into effect in January 1998. The Licensing Directive regulates the procedures of and conditions contained in licences providing telecommunications services and also has provision for any customer to appeal or make representations against any change made to their licence. This also applies to licences revoked due to non-payment; however, in this case representations will be limited to payment issues.

In all cases the customer can make representations, in writing, stating full details and all mitigating circumstances within 28 days of the RA notifying them of the intent to amend or revoke the licence.

R&TTE Directive (Directive 99/5/EC)

The Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (R&TTED) is European legislation which defines how regulatory compliance of radio and telecommunications terminal equipment destined for the European Union will be dealt with. The R&TTED removes the requirement for formal national type approval. The R&TTED, effective from the 8^th April 2000, also has a one year transition period for equipment type approved under the old regime to be marketed and placed into service. However, manufacturers/suppliers need to ensure that such products are declared under the R&TTED before the expiry of this transition period. Any equipment not declared under the R&TTED can no longer be marketed.

Further information on the scope of this directive, along with a copy of the R&TTED, is available from the RA website.

Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act 1949 - Licensing

Installation and use of radio equipment is authorised by a licence issued under the WT Act 1949. A licence is required to operate any scanning telemetry system or earth station or fixed terrestrial microwave or millimetric links.

Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act 1998 - Spectrum Pricing

The WT Act 1998 provides the RA with spectrum management legislation to manage the spectrum more effectively and promote its optimal utilisation. Licence fees are set out annually in regulations made under the WT Act 1998.

Telecommunications Act 1984

It is also important to check at an early stage whether a Telecommunications Act 1984 licence is also needed for your system.

A system generally does not require a Telecommunications Act licence if:

• it consists entirely of apparatus controlled exclusively by the organisation operating the system;
• it is not connected to any other telecommunication system, e.g., the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), leased private circuits or any third party operated system;
• it is not shared with, and does not provide a service to, anyone else, and is used exclusively by the licensee's employees for business purposes.

For more detailed advice on Telecommunications Act 1984 licensing contact Communications and Information Industries Directorate (CII). CII contact details are given in Section M.

Regulatory Transparency (Directive 98/34/EC)

Directive 98/34/EC is intended to help avoid the creation of trade barriers within the European Community. It requires Member States to notify the Technical Regulations pertinent to a particular licence type to the European Commission to allow Member States the opportunity to comment.

All new and revised Technical Regulations are notified to the EC under this Directive's notification procedures. All Technical Regulations are subject to a 3-month mandatory 'stand still period', for consultation which starts when they are received by the EC. Following the 'stand still period' and provided no objections are received from Member States then the new or amended Technical Regulation can be published and implemented. The UK has implemented UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000 as the Technical Regulation for all fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links - including fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial links.

In addition, and in the absence of any dedicated ETSI standard(s) for fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links, the UK has introduced the Voluntary National Specification for 14 GHz - VNS 2103 - as an interim technical regulation notified under this directive.

The Voluntary National Specification 2103 should be used in relation to the UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000 and has been drafted for reasons of spectrum efficiency and for making assumptions in the national frequency assignment process. The UK acknowledge that the use of any equivalent standards, produced by any relevant body of any European Economic Area (EEA) State, will be accepted as fulfilling the purpose of Voluntary National Specification 2103.

RA has publicly consulted with manufacturers and operators on all aspects of the UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000. This document is available from the RA information and library service, and from the RA website. Further information can be obtained from the FTSLU Helpdesk contact given in Section M.

Minimum Link Length Policy

The choice of frequency band in the UK depends principally on the link length and traffic capacity. To conserve spectrum in the lower frequency bands for the longer, higher capacity links, which can only be accommodated in these frequency bands, RA operates a "Minimum Link Length Policy" in selecting the appropriate frequency band for a given link. The policy is based on distances below which it would be reasonable to expect the next highest frequency band available to be used. Permission to operate links shorter than the Minimum Link Length Policy will be at the discretion of RA. The Minimum Link Length Policy on a band by band basis is published in RA 143.

Enforcement

Only equipment and antennas which satisfy the minimum requirements of the UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000 shall be legally licensed in geographical areas and frequency bands managed by RA. RA will provide no enforcement service for any systems that are licensed in fixed (point-to-point) terrestrial frequency bands on a non-protected, non-interference basis, see Section C

Equipment Requirements

Interface Regulations

The UK Interface Requirement 2000, together with the "essential requirements" of Article 3.2 of the R&TTED, includes the minimum system requirements that are deemed necessary for reasons related to the effective and appropriate use of the radio spectrum. This reference document gives a high level description of how spectrum in the UK is used for fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) systems. It also stipulates the equipment and antenna reference codes for use in completing RA's fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link licence application form (RA8). This is not looking to mandate equipment and antenna standards but define the minimum system performance that will be permitted.

Minimum Equipment Specifications

The Candidate Harmonised Standard EN 301 751 is the generic Harmonised Standard which implements the "essential requirements" under Article 3.2 of the R&TTED for all fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) digital radio relay systems. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has the responsibility for drafting this generic 'Candidate Harmonised Standard¹'. Conformance with 'Candidate Harmonised Standards' provides a presumption of compliance with "essential requirements" of the R&TTED. Relevant ETSI Base Standards for fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links, referenced by the 'Candidate Harmonised Standard' EN 301 751, are listed in IR Radio Interface Requirement 2000.

¹ The 'Candidate Harmonised Standard' ETSI EN 301 751 includes Fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link fixed link systems, is intended as the generic Harmonised Standard that implements the "essential requirements" of Article 3.2 of Directive 1999/5/EC. Note that the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) has the responsibility for drafting the 'Candidate Harmonised Standards'. Conformance with this standard provides a presumption of compliance to those "essential requirements" of Directive 1999/5/EC as are covered by the said 'Candidate Harmonised Standard'.

Co-ordination with other services and organisations

The National Frequency Assignment Panel (NFAP) agrees the day-to-day detailed frequency assignments and ensures that these are made in accordance with the UK peacetime frequency allocation table and the interests of the UK spectrum users. The NFAP terms of reference are "To consider, on an interdepartmental basis, requests for frequency assignments and to maintain the National Frequency Register." A significant period of turnaround time (see Section F) is required for obtaining NFAP approval since this panel only meets every three weeks. The following bands 1.4, 23, 25, 38, 52 and 55 GHz are all considered as "fast-track" block cleared frequency bands. All assignment requests have to go before the NFAP. The "fast-track" process will enable assignments in block cleared frequency bands to be entered into the National Frequency Register without going through the NFAP process.

Site clearance

Licensees must ensure that their systems (i.e. equipment with antennas) and masts meet current planning requirements, and where the antennas and masts may constitute a hazard, particularly to aircraft, then it is the applicant's responsibility to obtain approval through the Site Clearance Procedure.

Site clearance permits a range of compatibility issues with essential or safety of life services to be assessed such as blocking, inter-modulation, obstruction, etc. Fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) systems are only exempt from site clearance procedures if they satisfy all the following conditions:

• the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) is less than 45 dBW;
• the antenna height above ground level (AGL) is less than 30 metres; and
• if mounted to an existing site cleared structure, then the change does not increase the installation's height by more than 5 metres.

Planning and assignment

Equipment and antennas must satisfy the minimum requirements of the UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000 before they will be legally licensed in geographical areas administered by RA.

Information sheet RA 143 details the assignments for: fixed terrestrial links and Scanning Telemetry systems, in the frequency range 450MHz to 58GHz, in geographical areas administered by RA. Copies of RA 143 are available from the RA library, contact details are given in Section M.

Assignment and licence procedure

To apply for a licence, the applicant must submit the RA8 licence application form providing full details of the proposed link, including site details, equipment and antenna details. Incomplete application forms will lead to delays in processing the applications and may also result in the forms being returned to the applicant. It is a requirement that fixed link equipment meet the requirements set out in Section B. All assignments are made on a co-ordinated basis. Spectrum currently available is listed in Section D.

All applications are assigned an application number on their receipt and this permits FTSLU to assign job priority. Applicants will be notified of this number by post or email. An application number is unique and enables FTSLU easy location and to track progress of links. From experience it has been noted that when combining large number of link applications then there is an increased chance of errors. When in error the application(s) will be returned to the applicant.

RA will validate all applications for completeness before processing the RA8 paper application form in the method outlined in Section F. Once applications have passed validation then they are subjected to the RA turnaround targets shown in Section D. Following validation the link details are entered on the assignment system to enable the technical assignment process to commence.

When requested, FTSLU will attempt to assign channels on the basis of customer preferred channels.

RA initially assigns provisional frequencies to each fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link, following inter and intra service sharing with existing fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links and other services (e.g. the Fixed Satellite Service). Please note that 'notification of provisional frequencies' does not give authority to operate the fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link(s), but is provided to assist the applicant with early equipment procurement and configuration. The full licence can only be issued by RA once the co-ordination and site clearance procedures outlined in Section C have concluded.

FTSLU prefer, and provide facilities to submit applications by electronic means. It may be useful to approach FTSLU prior to submission of the application to discuss the requirements such as electronic exchange, possible data formats or procedural aspects. More details are given in D.1Protected and Unprotected Licence Status

FTSLU assume that all equipment meets the "essential requirements" of the RTTE Directive. Automatically, equipment will be licensed under the "licence unprotected service regime" if the equipment meets the full planning assumptions stated in our Frequency Assignment Criteria (see Section C.) based on the full ETSI technical standards. The applicant can declare the equipment to be licensed as a "Licence Protected Service." under both regimes. Fixed terrestrial point-to-point links will be co-ordinated on the same basis of interference and sharing criteria, however RA cannot guarantee interference free operation for "Licence unprotected services".

Service Availability

Service Availability is the mean propagation availability used in the determination of the overall link budget. Generally, 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 the user to provide 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%.

Transmit High / Low Status

Existing sites and the surrounding area may be designated "transmit high" or "transmit low" depending on the frequencies currently in use on the site. Details of the High/Low configuration of existing (fixed terrestrial link) radio sites are provided, on a band-by band basis, in the FTSLU pages of the RA website. Where a particular transmit/receive configuration is required, applicants should obtain the necessary information from the website prior to submitting the licence application. If it is not practicable, or if further clarifications are needed please, contact FTSLU. Additional requirements apply to links for offshore use by the oil and gas industries

Hot standby and Space Diversity

Space Diversity (on the receive path) or Hot Standby facilities may be required under 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.

Frequency Assignment Criteria

RA produces and maintains, through industry consultation, frequency assignment criteria documents on a band-by-band basis. These documents are available free of charge from the RA library or web site. They detail the principles used in co-ordinating and assigning frequencies to co-ordinated fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) radio relay systems.

Other Technical Considerations

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

Where the applicant is not the site owner, permission to use the site should be obtained from the site owner.

Purpose

The fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link frequency band permits analogue and digital services, both co-existing under a co-ordinated frequency regime. With the exception of the 1.4 GHz frequency band, which is only used for low capacity digital systems, available frequency bands are mainly used to carry Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy traffic capacities. Analogue services are gradually being restricted. Information Sheet RA143 gives further details of these restrictions.

Structure of Frequency Band

Spectrum is currently available in the 1.4, 4, Lower 6, Upper 6, 7.5, 13, 14, 22, 25, 38, 50, 52 and 55 GHz bands. Details of the channel arrangement for each band can be found in information sheet RA143. Copies are available from the RA library, contact details are given in Section M.

The licence

The licence, see example shown in Section N, details the terms, provisions and limitations of the licence for operation in the frequency ranges described under Section D. The licence will also detail further conditions of use, which are usually covered on the back pages.

In addition you should expect to see the following blue sections completed by RA:

• On page 1 you should see printed on your licence - "This licence ('the licence') is granted on _- Day, Month Year - _(the 'Date of Issue') by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (the 'Secretary of State') to - Your Legal Entity - (you ' the Licensee') of - Your Registered Address of the Legal Entity -_ (the 'Registered Office')"
• On page 3 you should see printed on your licence -
  "Signed - the RA officer's Signature -_
  Name _- the RA officer's printed name -_
  Date __ - the date when the application was processed - "

On receipt of the licence application it is RA's aim to meet the following Quality of Service targets for fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links licensed in the fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link band:

For Category C assignments in co-ordinated bands: Fixed Links (other than 58 GHz); i.e. licences that require frequency assignment and site clearance and/or international co-ordination: 90% of licence applications to be processed and despatched within 40 working days and the remainder processed and despatched within 60 working days, or an explanation of the delay provided to the applicant.

Customer Responsibilities

Making your paper application.

Before making an application, you should remember that no matter who applies on your behalf, you are still legally responsible for all actions carried out on your radio system. Any false information may lead to the granting of the licence being refused or revoked. Also, the licence application form does carry legal status from an evidential point of view and applicants are therefore asked to sign the declaration.

The RA8 can be used for fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links that are deployed in geographical areas and frequency bands managed by RA. The RA8 (GN) guidance notes that accompany the RA8 form can be used to help an applicant answer the relevant questions with the correct information.

Making your electronic application

With the exception of providing a signature, the conditions outlined above in Section D.1.1 still apply for electronic applications. Until RA can authenticate electronic signatures, FTLSU will request the applicant on initiation of the process to send in a letter acknowledging their obligation to state the truth. On request FTSLU will provide details of the electronic transfer protocols and computer requirements to process electronic applications.

Where to get your application form

You may obtain a copy of the RA8 application form by post from the RA information and library service, or you can download the form from the RA website and print it out.

How to complete the Application form

It is essential that all the relevant questions are answered as fully as possible. Incomplete forms will be returned to the applicant. Detailed guidance for completing the RA8 licence application form is given in the separate RA8 (GN) information sheet.

More generally you should be aware that for a new application, all optional questions in the RA8 start with "If…" and where more than one option is given then the questions start with "Or, if…" Otherwise, you should consider the question mandatory, refer to Section F within this manual for further advice.

If you have any doubts about answering the RA8 then please contact the FTSLU Helpdesk before submitting the application. Remember that RA may return the RA8 if it is not legible, complete or accurate. If RA return the RA8 then you should expect to see a brief explanation on the RA8 acknowledgement slip (Section H). All contact details are given in Section M of this document.

New Customers

If you are a new customer, it is particularly important that you include all contact details on your application form, so that FTSLU can set up a new customer account.

Existing customers

If you are an existing customer, you must ensure you include your RA Customer Number on the application form, so that details of the new or amended link may be added to your existing licence.

New Applications

If you are applying for a new link, you must provide your own customer link reference (sometimes referred to as a 'link Id.'), that uniquely identifies each link. This may consist of a combination of a maximum of ten alphanumeric characters.

Amendments and Cancellations

When making such a request RA will assume you are an existing customer with an RA reference number for the link(s) you wish to amend or cancel. Amendments and Cancellations should be submitted on the RA8 application form.

Checking your Application

Please ensure that you fill in the licence application legibly, completely and accurately. Any missing information may require the form to be returned with the Quality of Service targets negated, or (at the Secretary of State's discretion) invalidate the licence after it has been granted.

Section G of this manual contains a table detailing all mandatory questions, which RA will use to validate your application. You can use this as a final check for completeness before submitting your form.

Payment method

New customers will be billed after the successful completion of their first licence application and issue of the final licence. Subsequent applications will be billed at the end of the financial year with the cost appropriately apportioned for the period of use within that year. Payments should be made payable to the "Radiocommunications Agency". Permitted methods of payment include:

• Direct Debit;
• Cheques;
• Postal Order;
• Bank Automated Credit System (BACS) and Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS) transfer; and
• Credit card (if less than £1000)

Where to send your RA8 or batch applications

Please send paper and floppy disc applications to the following address:

Fixed Terrestrial and Satellite Links Unit
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX

Phone: 020 7211 0626

Electronic email batch applications should be sent directly to RA at the following email address: ftslubatch@ra.gsi.gov.uk

Checking your Licence

Following the grant of the licence, you "the licensee" have 28 days in which to raise any objections to the conditions contained therein. You should read any correspondence from RA accompanying your licence. Normally this is just a covering letter, but sometimes it may contain additional conditions or restrictions applying to the use of the system.

Making the application

RA administers all licensing processes, i.e. new licence applications, renewals, amendments, cancellations and revocations.

Processing the Application Form

The following table directly cross-references all question numbers provided in the RA8. RA will provide completeness checks to all items shown ticked () in this table which must be completed to process a fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link application.

Section A: Purpose of Application
Question ID	Mandatory Check	RA Actions
A.1		Define purpose of application.
A.2		RA will accept up to a total of 20 new links per application form.
A.2.1		RA checks whether links are to be assigned individually or collectively.
Section B: Correspondence Details
B.1		RA checks that the application is from an existing customer.
B.1.1		For existing customers only, RA checks the Customer Number is valid (paragraph D.1.3.2 within also refers).
B.2		RA check to ensure applicant has appropriate legal status.
B.2.1		This check only applies for registered companies, incorporations associations, and charities.
B.3		If necessary RA checks applicable trading name.
B.4		RA checks registered address is valid.
Section B: Renewal Details
B.5		RA checks address for licence renewal contact.
B.5.1		RA checks if customer requires additional copy of licence to be sent to contact specified at Question B.5.
Section B: Accounts Details
B.6		RA checks address for account contact.
B.6.1		RA checks if customer requires additional copy of licence to be sent to contact specified at Question B.6.

Section B: Additional Contact Details
Question ID	Mandatory Check	RA Actions
B.7		RA checks address for additional contact.
B.7.1		RA checks if customer requires additional copy of licence to be sent to contact specified at Question B.7.
Section C: Licence Holder Details
C.1		For a licence application RA checks that the customer has provided a link reference with the application (paragraph D.1.3.3 within also refers).
C.2		For an amendment or cancellation, RA checks existing customer is an existing customer and that the link RA Reference Number is correctly quoted.
C.2.1		RA checks existing customer has provided licence details and date of original licence.
C.2.2		RA checks existing customer has provided date(s) for changes.
Section C: Frequency Band
C.3		RA checks system for "analogue" or "digital" usage.
Section C: Analogue Frequency Band
C.4		RA checks that correct frequency band and analogue usage have been ticked.

Section C: Digital Frequency Band
C.5		RA checks that correct frequency band and digital usage have been ticked.
Section C: Equipment Reference Codes
C.6		RA checks that correct RA Equipment Reference Code has been quoted from list provided on the website.
C.7		RA only checks this if C.6 is unanswered. Then RA check Equipment Reference Code is compliant with options provided in the technical regulation UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000.
C.7.1		RA only checks this if C.6 is unanswered. Then RA check equipment manufacturer and model details are supplied.

Section C: Polarisation
Question ID	Mandatory Check	RA Actions
C.8		RA will check polarisation preferences.
Section C: Preferred Carrier Frequency Range
C.9		RA will check frequency range preferences.
C.9.1		This question only applies where C.9 is unanswered.
Section C: Availability
C.10		RA checks that the service availability level has been indicated.
C.10.1		Where the service availability level is to be greater than 99.99%, RA checks that the system is duplicated.
C.10.2		Where the service availability level is to be greater than 99.99%, RA checks that justification has been given.
Section C: Parallel Links
C.11		If a parallel link is required, RA will ensure that details of the link to which this link will be parallel have been provided.
Section C: Site Links
C.12		RA checks whether link is uni- or bi-directional.
C.13		If uni-directional, RA checks High/Low preference for the transmit site(s).
C.14		If bi-directional, RA checks which site(s) are transmitting "High".
C.15		RA checks a number of site and mast height compatibility issues.
C.15.1		RA checks a number of site and mast height compatibility issues.
C.15.2		RA checks a number of site and mast height compatibility issues.
C.16		RA checks a number of site and mast height compatibility issues.

Question ID	Mandatory Check	RA Actions
C.17		RA checks a number of site and mast height compatibility issues.
C.18		RA checks a number of site and mast height compatibility issues.
C.19 and 19.1		RA will only check if C.19.2, C.19.3 or 19.4 are unanswered. RA check that Site Reference Number is consistent with the sites provided on the website.
C.19.2		RA only checks if C.19.1, C.19.3 or 19.4 are unanswered. RA then checks UK NGR northing(s) and easting(s) are accurate to a precision of 1 metre for frequency bands 25GHz and above and to a precision of 10 metre for frequency bands below 25 GHz.
C.19.3		RA only checks if C.19.1, C.19.2 or 19.4 are unanswered. RA then checks Irish grid northing(s) and easting(s) are accurate to a precision of 1 metre.
C.19.4		RA only checks if C.19.1, C.19.2 or 19.3 are unanswered. RA then checks latitudes/longitudes for accuracy for offshore masts only.
C.20		RA checks site name and address is provided.
C.21		If different from the licensee address specified in Question B.4 then RA checks that address has been provided.
C.22		If the equipment is operated from a different address to Question C.20 then RA check that address has been provided.

Section C: Losses
C.23		RA will check extent of losses.
C.24		If appropriate, RA will check extent of losses.
C.24.1		If necessary, RA will check the reasons for losses.
Section C: Antenna Reference Codes
C.25		RA checks that correct RA Antenna Reference Code has been quoted from list provided on the website.
C.26		RA only checks this if C.25 is unanswered. Check Antenna Reference Code is compliant with options provided in the technical regulation UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000.
C.26.1		RA checks the guaranteed maximum boresight gain.
C.26.2		RA only checks this if C.25 is unanswered. Check equipment manufacturer and model details are supplied.

Section C: Licence Protected Status
Question ID	Mandatory Check	RA Actions
C.27		RA checks whether application is for Protected or Unprotected Service.
Section E: Declaration
E.1		RA processes the application to licence issue stage if signed, otherwise the application is returned to the applicant.
Section E: Tear-off Acknowledgement Slip
F.1		RA checks mailing details are complete.
F.2		RA checks link references have been listed.
F.3		RA will record date of receipt.
F.4		If necessary, RA will detail the relevant omissions from the application form and return these to the applicant.
F.5		RA will update newer versions of the form where appropriate.

RA, on receipt of the application form, will initially check that the information is complete, accurate and legible. RA will attempt, in most circumstances, to address any irregularities with the applicant by telephone. RA reserves the right to return any application form that, for any reason, prevents them from processing the transaction. RA, during the technical appraisal, may contact the applicant on various matters, e.g. to resolve technical irregularities or provide the applicant with options. Any reasons requiring RA to contact the applicant, which significantly delay the processing of the transaction, will result in the application being 'parked' and the Quality of Service targets, being temporarily suspended. This will be the case until RA is satisfied that all the outstanding actions are resolved.

The previous table directly cross-references all question numbers provided in the RA8. RA will provide completeness checks to all items shown ticked () in the mandatory check column of this table.

Supporting Information

The information sheets that the applicant may find useful for fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link applications are as follows:

• RA 143: Frequency allocations for scanning telemetry, and fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link administered by the Fixed Terrestrial and Satellite Links Unit.
• RA8 (GN): Fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link licence application guide.
• UK Radio Interface Requirement 2000: point-to-point radio-relay systems operating in fixed service frequency bands administered by the Radiocommunications Agency.
• RA 164: General Information on fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) links.
• Voluntary National Specification 2103: Performance parameters for a fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) equipment operating in the 14.25 GHz to 14.5 GHz.
• These information sheets can be obtained from the RA information and library service, and from the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk

Step/Check		Description	Responsibility	Activities covered by Quality of Service targets (see Section D)
1		Applicant submits fixed terrestrial (point-to-point) link application form (RA8) to RA.	Customer
2		RA checks applicant's legal status in accordance with the advice given in Section B.4.	RA
	Pass	If the legal status passes validation then RA will continue processing the application. The transaction proceeds to step 3.	RA
	Fail	If the legal status fails validation then RA will return the application form and payment to the Applicant.	RA
3		RA contact the customer by telephone to confirm that the application is genuine and that they still wish to continue.	RA
	Pass	RA will continue to process the application if this check proves favourable. The transaction proceeds to step 4.	RA
	Fail	An unfavourable finding from this check will result in RA returning the application form and payment to the Applicant.	RA
4		The application form is checked to verify that all the necessary details are complete, accurate and legible in accordance with Section D 1.4.	RA
5		If any details are missing, RA will attempt to contact the applicant by telephone or e-mail, giving the customer five working days to respond with the necessary information. Under such a condition the licence application will be 'Parked' (i.e. suspending the Quality of Service target until the customer replies or the five working day resolution period expires).	RA
	Pass	RA will only continue to process the application when the applicant responds with the necessary information. Proceed to step 6.	RA
	Fail	If the applicant fails to respond by the elapse of the five working day deadline then RA will return the application form and payment to the Applicant.	RA
6		RA establishes whether an applicant is an 'existing customer'.	RA
	No	For a 'new customer' the RA will create a customer file. The transaction then proceeds to step 7.	RA
	Yes	For an 'existing' customer the transaction now proceeds to step 7	RA
7		RA now performs system co-ordination in accordance with appropriate frequency assignment criteria. RA confirms that link complies with appropriate equipment / antenna options within the technical regulation "Radio Interface Requirements 2000", and that the link length compiles with the minimum link length policy. RA warns customers that the assignment details are only provisional at this stage and subject to approval by the appropriate site clearance and co-ordination bodies and organisations.	RA
	Pass	RA issues provisional assignment and requests payment.	RA
	Fail	RA contacts applicant to resolve. If unable to do so, the application will be returned to the customer.	RA
8		RA processes the payment.	RA
	Payment clears	The transaction proceeds to step 9.
	Payment fails to clear	If the cheque is incorrect in anyway, or fails to go through RA Finance, then RA contact the customer to resolve (within five working days) any problems, otherwise the application will be terminated. Under such a condition the licence application will be 'Parked' (i.e. suspending the transaction until the customer replies) until any problem(s) are resolved, or the five working day resolution period expires. After this time RA will return the application form and payment to the Applicant.	RA
9		RA creates the licence (see Chapter L) and licence schedule (see Chapter M) and sends them to the customer.	RA
10		RA creates a Registry File for the customer. With this, copies of the licence and licence schedule are attached. The fee details are entered onto the renewal database, and marked 'paid', under the customer's name.	RA
11		RA's licence database includes the licensee's details, licence renewal date and licence fee. In the fee payment entry, "paid" must be entered so that the licence rolls around for renewal next year.	RA

Click on table to download PDF

Figure G.1: LICENCE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step/Check		Description	Responsibility	Activities covered by Quality of Service targets (see Section D)
1		RA initiates the licence renewal process at least six weeks in advance of the licence renewal date.	RA
2		RA checks customer's legal status in accordance with advice given in Section B.4.	RA
	Pass	If the legal status passes validation then RA will continue processing the application. The transaction proceeds to step 3.	RA
	Fail	If the legal status fails validation then RA will return the application to the customer.	RA
3		RA issues the customer six weeks in advance a licence renewal notice (see Chapter N) and associated licence fee request. A copy of the fee request is sent to RA Finance so the debt can be added to the customer account. The transaction proceeds to step 4.	RA
4		RA then await customer's payment / response within four weeks.	Customer
	Payment/ response received	When RA receive the customer's payment the transaction proceeds to step 6.	RA
	Response only	If RA receive a response then the transaction proceeds to step 5.	RA
	No payment/ response	If RA fails to receive both response and payment from the customer two weeks before the renewal date then RA will automatically issue a licence renewal notice reminder (see Chapter O) and associated licence fee request. Failing to respond or provide satisfactory answers will mean RA initiates the licence revocation process.	RA
5		RA receives response from the customer.	Customer
	Pass	If the response is satisfactory and timely then RA proceed the transaction to step 6. Also the renewal date for the forthcoming year is automatically set at this stage.	RA
	Fail	If the response is not acceptable to RA then the transaction will proceed to the licence revocation process if the matter is not resolved within five days. While dealing with any unresolved enquiries during this standstill time RA will '