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Licensing & Co-ordination |
FTSLU is responsible for the licensing of Satellite Earth Stations (SES) of various types within the UK. It plays a major role in the co-ordination between SES and Terrestrial Fixed Links operating in shared bands.
Currently the pricing structure for licensing is that a standard price is set according to the type of Earth Station. In other parts of the spectrum the problems arising from congestion are now becoming more evident. With this in mind a strategy was proposed that the Agency should consider charging customers in relation to the amount of radio spectrum (bandwidth) required for their service. Legislation applicable to spectrum pricing is based on the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998.
There are a number of essential processes involved with the licensing of an FSS Earth Station, which include clearance & co-ordination and may take many man-hours to complete. In addition to this there are additional administrative overheads associated with international co-ordination and representation at fora such as ERC, ETSI, ITU, and EU.
The principle requirements for spectrum pricing under consideration are:
- The pricing structure must be perceived as being open and fair by existing operators;
- The structure should encourage efficient use of the radio spectrum.
A number of studies have been carried out to advise on a simple but implementable model for the pricing structure for FSS services. Any model that is considered will have several problems with the parameters to be included. This is due to the fact that there are many technical parameters that need to be assessed. There is also the problem of too simple a model leading to future market distortion in a volatile market, given there may be additional growth in some service areas and a decline in others.
The current time-scale for the implementation of spectrum pricing for the permanent satellite earth station classes is expected to be:
July 2001 With other services being subsequently covered on a phased basis.
There are many issues to be considered before a final decision is taken, and the intention is to avoid creating winners and losers and ensure equitable access to the spectrum.
The contact within FTSLU is Terry Cawthorne, email: cawthornT@ra.gsi.gov.uk
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