Private Business Radio - Channel Access Procedure for Transmission of data on shared channels

What is IR2008?
Why have IR2008?
What is happening with MPT1379?
When is it available?
How much will it cost?
Where is the standard?
What channels are available for IR2008?
How do I get a licence?
Is IR2008 going to be inspected and policed by the RA?
How exclusive is an IR2008 channel?
How many timeslots can I be licensed?

Useful Links

IR2008 v1.1 (link to actual IR2008 v1.1)
http://www.radio.gov.uk/publication/interface/word-pdf/ir2008v1.1.doc

IR2001 (link to actual IR2001)
http://www.radio.gov.uk/publication/interface/word-pdf/ir2001.doc

What is IR2008?

Interface Requirement (IR), IR2008 is a new Channel Access procedure for data on PMR.

The Agency has recently developed IR2008 with suppliers, system implementers and manufacturers that have an interest in the development of the transmission of data using Private Mobile Radio and on the associated structure and introduction of a new licensing regime.

Why have IR2008?

The Radiocommunications Agency together with industry has reached a firm conclusion that, for new data users, a clear break is needed from MPT1379. The introduction of a new licensing regime will alleviate the problems currently being experienced and encourage the introduction and use of a more spectrum-efficient licensing environment.

What is happening with MPT1379?

IR 2008 will, as soon as is practicable, replace existing arrangements based upon MPT 1379 Code of Practice introduced in 1994, which allowed the operation of data equipment on Private Business channels.

The cessation of licensing of MPT1379 equipment is expected one year after the introduction of IR 2008 data-only channels.

It is envisaged that all users of MPT 1379 equipment will be required to migrate to new channels by the end of 2006.

When is it available?

IR2008/ data -only channels to be licensed with effect from mid July 2002.

Temporary Pilot schemes and Test & Development available for licence on request up to July 2002.

How much will it cost?

The Agency intends that, with effect from mid July 2002, a licence for this will be available at the rate of £25 per year per time slot.

The proposed licence fee of £25 per year per time slot has been based on the value of a PBR Wide Area system operating in Low 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.

Where is the standard?

There is no standard. IR2008 will be a licence condition for certain PMR channels.

IR2008 is a channel access regime that is non-prescriptive on technology, modulation scheme, bit rate or protocol.

IR2001 is also a licence condition, which will be part of the licence conditions for IR2008 channels.

What channels are available for IR2008?

Other channels may become IR2008 channels dependent on demand and/or specific requests.

How do I get a licence?

A licence will be obtainable though RA headquarters initially, then after a period of approximately 6 months licensing will be made available through the regional offices. It is intended to introduce this licence on an electronic application form.

Is IR2008 going to be inspected and policed by the RA?

Yes. It is intended that by July 2002 equipment will be made available to the RAs' field staff to allow then to direction find and ensure that the licensed timeslot is being used correctly. It is also intended at a later date to be able to monitor individual timeslots to view occupancy.

How exclusive is an IR2008 channel?

It is intended to provide a protection of approximately <60km between base stations using the same channel/timeslot. Therefore taking into account terrain, antenna siting and design with a maximum ERP of 10W it is unlikely that different licensees will receive interference from another user. Greater protection distances or lesser protection distances will be licensed on a case by case basis.

How many timeslots can I be licensed?

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 possible to be licensed 3 base transmit timeslots and one mobile transmit timeslot or vice versa.

In addition, there are two types of IR2008 channel to choose from. The first type utilises 250ms timeslots whilst the second type utilises 500ms timeslots. Although the different types of timeslot cannot be mixed on a given channel, it is feasible to have both types of channel on one or more site. In this case the previous example would use 500ms timeslots on channel A and 250ms timeslots on channel B.

Any further questions or comments please contact Mark.redman@ra.gsi.gov.uk