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Licensing Procedures Manual for Private Business Systems |
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter briefly explains the purpose and legislative requirements surrounding the production of the PBSU manual.
Purpose of the PBS manual
Legislation, such as the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and more recently the Human Rights Directive requires Government departments to make certain types of information available to the public. Broadly speaking, Government departments should make their policy and procedural guidelines available to the public whilst keeping commercially sensitive, or private information relating to individuals, confidential. The PBS Policy and Procedures Manual meets these requirements by detailing the policy and procedures used by the Private Business Systems Unit (from now on referred to as either 'PBS' or 'PBSU') of the Radiocommunications Agency (from now on referred to as 'The Agency') when dealing with applications for the use of Private Business Radio (PBR). The manual is available for inspection, by appointment, by the public or available on the Agency's website www.radio.gov.uk. To book an appointment for inspection of the manual call the DTI library on 020 7 215 5006/5007. For any other queries relating to this manual please contact:
Local Licensing
Co-ordination Unit
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX
Tel: 0207 211 0818
The version of the PBS Policy and Procedures manual made available to the public contains the policy used by Licensing and Assignment Officers in the Agency. An expanded internal version exists that contains extra technical information and a single chapter containing information disclosure of which may cause commercial harm to the licensees concerned.
The Data Protection Act and Disclosure of Information to Other Government Departments or the Police
The Data Protection Act 1984 provides further protection for the personal data of individuals, which can be processed by equipment operating automatically. It prohibits disclosure of personal data except to persons specified in particulars registered with the Data Protection Registrar and in certain circumstances set into the Act. Many licensees on the Radiocommunications Unified Licensing and Executive System (from now on referred to as 'RULES'), a licensing database, are held in the names of the individuals acting as sole proprietors or partners of businesses so the Act does apply to personal data relating to them.
The Agency sometimes receives requests for disclosure about individuals from the enforcement agencies such as the Inland Revenue, Customs & Excise, local council fraud offices and the Police. The Agency is registered under the Act to disclose information to certain investigators of this kind, but the general rules on disclosure only permit disclosure under certain circumstances. These circumstances are:
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Further information on the following topics is available in the Agency's Licensing Policy Manual:
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.
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter outlines the aims of the PBS Unit including its spectrum management objectives and the quality of service targets.
Aim of the Agency
Given the finite nature of radio frequencies and the increasingly complex nature of the spectrum management task, it is important that the radio resource is managed well. The aim of the Agency, as manager of the civil spectrum, is
"To be the best spectrum manager in the world, promoting opportunities to access radio spectrum to build a successful and competitive economy and enhance quality of life"
Spectrum Management Objectives
The Agency made public in October 2001 through the document "Strategy for the Future Use of the Radio Spectrum in the UK (2002)" a number of aims, which underpin its spectrum management role. In Chapter 2.11 it shows these aims for the PBR sector.
Quality of Service
Quality of Service to PBS customers is dependent upon a number of inter-related but distinct Agency activities. These activities in turn are influenced by a number of factors including the availability of spectrum, security of tenure following frequency assignments, the quality of information provided to the Agency by customers and their representatives, and the effective enforcement of the regulatory process.
Activities which are within the control of the Agency and which contribute directly to the quality of service received by the customer are:
Processing arrangements
Local Licensing arrangements introduced by the Agency in 1993 for Private Mobile Radio services, ensure that the point of processing relates directly to the requirements of the customer. Section C of this manual details those licensees that are handled centrally and those that are handled locally. Local Licensing arrangements offer significant added value to the customer in terms of increased spectrum efficiency and quality of service. In particular it provides opportunities for direct customer contact and flexibility to individual customer requirements, which cannot be met with a centralised system.
The effectiveness of local processing is dependent upon efficient communications between Local Offices and the PBS Section and it is critical that a consistency of approach in the handling and processing of applications is followed by all offices. The purpose of the Guidelines defined in the following chapters is to ensure that the desired consistency of approach and policy is achieved.
Accuracy of licensing process
Frequency Assignment
It is essential that frequency assignments are made correctly and that details of licensees and assignments are recorded accurately on the central database. Incorrect assignments are likely to result in the new licensee causing interference to other users and may in some cases give rise to claims for compensation for the inconvenience and additional costs incurred in moving to an alternative assignment.
Quality of channels
From a customer's point of view, a speedy and efficient service is of little value if the channel assigned does not adequately meet their business needs. The first essential from a customer's perspective is that channels should be free of interference and that secondly it should be possible, within reason, to expand their use of radio without having to change frequencies or incur substantial re-equipment costs.
The Stage 3 Spectrum Review document stated that management of frequency bands used for land mobile radio services needed to be dramatically improved. In particular it included recommendations that:
Quality of Service Targets applicable from July 2003
Applications should be dealt with as quickly as possible, consistent with the circumstances of the case and the demands of the customer. The quality of the final product (i.e. issue of licence) should not be compromised by the speed of the issue of that licence.
For the purpose of monitoring performance, the licences issued by the Agency have been divided into four categories as follows:
Category A
For licences that involve no frequency assignment, site clearance or international co-ordination: 100% of licence applications for new or varied services to be awarded or rejected (with explanation) within seven calendar days. Within the PBR sector the following licences are subject to this target
Category B
For licences that involve frequency assignment, but no site clearance or international co-ordination: 90% of licence applications for new or varied services to be awarded or rejected (with explanation) within 21 calendar days; and the remainder to be awarded or rejected within 35 calendar days or an explanation of the delay to be given.
Within the PBR sector the following licences are subject to this target:
Category C
For licences that require frequency assignment and site clearance and/or international co-ordination: 90% of licence applications for new or varied services to be awarded or rejected (with explanation) within 42 calendar days; and the remainder to be awarded or rejected within 82 calendar days or an explanation of the delay to be given. Within the PBR sector the following licences are subject to this target:
Licences coming under category B where site clearance and/or international co-ordination is required, e.g. PBR standard, Private Wide Area Paging.
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter outlines the various forms of radio systems licensed by PBSU and describes the form of licences required to permit the operation of such systems.
What are 'private' radio systems?
A definition of a 'private' radio system, is one that is a:
"Self provided and self used mobile radio system. Self may include partners and contractors working for the licensee."
The administrative definition of a 'private' mobile radio system
The purpose and the exclusive benefit of use of the radio system is solely in the interests of the licensee's business. This may include use by third parties such as contractors where the work/radio use of that third party is on behalf of the licensee and does not include any radio traffic, which is not connected with the business of the licensee. Such systems may interconnect with telecommunications systems such as the Public Switched Telephone Networks provided that the only traffic, which is carried over the radio element of the communications path, is that concerned solely with the business of the licensee. The holder of Private Business Systems licence will not receive any payment, consideration or other benefit from any third party in respect of the provision of radio telecommunications facilities.
What are 'public' radio systems?
The definition of 'public' radio system is one that is a:
"Mobile radio system provided commercially for use by others."
The administrative definition of a 'public' radio system is one where:
The beneficiary of use of the system might not be the licensee or anyone concerned with the business of the licensee. The licensee may receive a payment consideration
or other benefit, either directly through a contractually managed fee or indirectly through standing charges levied at point of sale of any equipment, to be connected to
the system. Or by any other means, in payment for the service of providing and maintaining the radio facility for use by third parties.
Licence Exempt Spectrum
Licences are not required for use in some areas of radio spectrum which has been designated as 'licence exempt' spectrum. Such spectrum requires use by particular types of equipment which, providing they are constructed to the relevant technical specifications do not require individual licensing for Private use under the Wireless Telegraphy Act.
What is Private Mobile Radio (PMR)?
Description
Private Mobile Radio is primarily used for communications on land. This is not a definitive rule as there are circumstances where it can be used for business purposes offshore, on oil platforms for instance, or on inland or coastal waterways but as a generalisation, it can stand.
A PMR service is used to pass messages to, from or between mobile units as an aid to conducting business, or for providing a professional or public service. It is important to note that licences are issued primarily for business use and PMR is not intended to be used for personal communications or in connection with hobby or leisure activities. Some "fringe bodies" (e.g. Scouts), may be issued with PMR licences. Any enquiries concerning the validity of an applicant, may be referred to the PBS Local Licensing Co-ordination Unit.
There are currently two main licences relating to PMR systems – the PBR On-site licence, which generally covers systems with a coverage area up to 3Km and the PBR Wide Area Licence for systems with a wider coverage area (typically up to 30km).
The basic elements of all radio systems are a transmitter, a receiver and an antenna. Simple systems consisting of one transmitter and one or more receivers (each with its own antenna) could form the basis of a paging system permitting communication in one direction only.
To enable full two way communication, it is necessary for each radio to combine the functions of transmit and receive. These are commonly integrated into a single unit known as a transceiver, often sharing the one antenna.
Transceivers are available in three types:
Hand portable – the unit is self-contained with battery, transceiver and antenna in a single package suitable for carrying by hand, in a pocket or fitted on a belt. Because of size and weight limitations, hand portables are usually restricted in power to 5 watts or less.
Mobile – the transceiver is designed for mounting in a motor vehicle and derives its power from the vehicle battery. Output power is typically between 5 and 25 watts.
Base station – the transceiver is usually designed to be mains operated (though may have battery back up) and may also have separate transmitter and receiver units to allow duplex and/or separate transmit and receive antennas.
An alternative to using PMR for hand portable-only services, where use is through de-regulated radio spectrum, provided through the use of Short Range Business Radio, and later through PMR446.
Coverage
Any radio unit capable of being carried by a person will through limitations of size, power and antenna length and height be restricted in range. Typically, such systems will have a limited communication range, but greater distances will be achieved in certain circumstances e.g. through being sited on hill tops or tall buildings.
To enable more distant communication, it is normal to use a radio and a mast for the antenna. These are installed on a fixed site. Applicants often wish to site a radio mast on a hill or tall building to overlook a large area. The radio sited at this location is termed a base station and a base and mobiles (whether they be fitted in a vehicle or carried by hand) form the basis of most PMR systems.
If the user is unable to locate his or her business at the mast site selected, it becomes necessary to use some form of remote control for the base station. In its simplest form, the term remote control refers to turning the base station on and off from a place away from the base station. There are various forms of remote control, the commonest being by landline. This should be thought of as being the same as a privately leased telephone line and can be obtained from phone companies. Licensees are encouraged to discuss with a radio supplier the best means of achieving the radio coverage required, given the different radio characteristics of differing radio bands.
The location of a base station at the top of a hill enables radio operation over a large coverage area. Equally, because PMR use is generally provided through shared radio channels location on a high site will mean that the receiver will also pick up unwanted transmissions, as well as causing co-channel interference over the same area. It is unusual for licensees to require the maximum coverage that their system will provide. It is necessary, therefore, to impose system parameters to limit coverage but still allowing the licensee the flexibility they need.
National Channel
The definition of a national channel, is one where;
(a) The licensee is authorised to use throughout England and Wales (whether or not the licensee is also authorised to use it in any other place) and is not, at the time of issue or renewal of the licence, authorised to be used by any person other than the licensee in any part of England and Wales.
Temporary Emergency Bases
In the event of an emergency the use of a portable base station from a temporary location is permitted provided the coverage area of the temporary location does not exceed the original. Permission to use the base must be sought from the Area Manager of the Local Office of the area in which the use is to take place.
Standby Base Stations
In the event of failure of the main base station and/or reverse frequency working trigger station, the use of a standby base station is permitted provided the coverage area does not exceed the original.
What is On-site Radio Paging?
On-site radio paging, shares many of the characteristics of Private Mobile Radio, for instance:
It is primarily used for communications on land,
It is solely for business use, except for fringe bodies, e.g. Scout Association,
The systems require a licence to authorise operation,
The systems can provide one-way and two-way communication depending on the type used,
The two basic elements of the system are a transmitter and a receiver.
As the name suggests, On-site radio paging provides coverage from a given location up to a radius of 3Km. Typical installations are within offices, hospitals, industrial areas and shops.
For licensing purposes, paging systems are included into five distinct types of licence, there are:
Hospital Paging and Emergency speech.
One-way Paging and speech.
'Self-select' One-way Paging;
Other licensed paging systems are:
Local Communications and Private Wide Area Paging.
Radio Paging (Standard)
One-way communication systems that provide outgoing paging (bleep signal/data) facilities. UHF systems also provide outgoing speech. There are frequencies available in the 26MHz band for HF systems and VHF frequencies in the 49MHz band. Hospitals are also assigned a return frequency and are permitted to use both outgoing and return speech facilities in emergency situations only.
Local Communications
Increasingly common, these are two-way communication systems, i.e. outgoing speech/paging and return speech acknowledgement that are intended to eventually supersede all existing on-site two-way paging systems. The base transmit frequency is 459MHz bands and the mobile transmit frequencies are in the 159MHz and 161MHz bands.
Private Wide Area Paging and speech
Wide Area PBR one-way paging and speech systems, enable the transmission of alert or status messages for private business use through the use of tone, numeric and /or alphanumeric means, from a base station to receivers over a given coverage area. The receipt of such messages to a receiver enables a user to be alerted through a means of coded 'bleeps', text or speech or a combination of these to the presence of a message and provides fast and easy access to users with receivers within the intended coverage area. As transmissions are one-way only, return messages cannot be sent to the base station.
The coverage of wide area PBR one-way paging and speech systems depends on the location of the base and receiver stations but will typically be between 3 and 30km radius from the base station. Wide Area PBR paging and speech systems operate on 25kHz simplex frequencies in the 153 and 454MHz bands. Please note that as a result of the impending alignment of 450-470 MHz band, the 454 MHz channels for this service are now closed to new applicants and have been replaced by channels at 446-450 MHz.
What are the needs of an applicant?
The needs of an applicant are as varied as there are types of business. A taxi company, for example, would have totally different coverage requirements compared to a chemical company. Even though their needs are totally different it is conceivable that many of the components of the radio system will be similar and some may be identical.
By the time a potential PMR/paging user submits an application form, he or she may have an idea of the system required. As outlined above licensees, may not have a clear understanding of system or licence requirements. The opportunity to discuss with customers their clear requirements should be during the processing of an application. This simple step can greatly improve spectrum efficiency. There must be a distinction drawn between "what does the applicant need" and "what does the applicant think they need". It is necessary to consider the applicants proposed system in relation to existing radio systems. Whilst every step should be taken to agree to a request, this should not be to the detriment of existing radio users or should not compromise known radio spectrum management plans. It may be necessary, therefore, to refuse a particular system (it could be possible to agree changes which will enable the system to be licensed, but some will have to be refused).
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter outlines how the Agency interacts with internal and external groups to advise on policy relating to the licensing of Private Business Radio systems. It also describes the methods used to disseminate that policy to its staff; customers; manufacturers and suppliers of radio equipment.
Introduction
The structure of the Private Business Radio industry is diverse and is characterised by a high volume of customers who use self-provided radio systems to achieve efficiencies in their business, at a time of great technological change and innovation. The application of policy in such an area requires that proposed structural change to PBR licences, their fees or their means of delivery are arrived at through open discussion and consultation. The final determined policy or given business procedure is disseminated to as wide an audience base as is practicable, given the high volume of licensees and the time constraints that may apply (e.g. through the need to implement new or secondary legislation).
Determination of policy
The determination of licensing policy in the PBR area is required to take account of a number of differing but interrelated factors and include the need to:
Internal policy discussions
Local Licensing Task Group
The Local Licensing Task Group, comprises representatives from Agency HQ Business Units [RA2 and RA3 acting as the Group's Executive] and representatives (both technical and administrative) of the Agency's Local Office network. The group is chaired by the Manager of Central Licensing Unit of Private Business Systems Unit, which takes a lead in the formulation of PBR licensing policy.
The cross representation of the group, which meets quarterly is designed to ensure that policy which is emerging in the PBR area is subjected to a full examination, from a practical and pragmatic viewpoint. This ensures, as far as possible, that the underlying policy reasoning is understood and that the policy being proposed is consistent with the best practices of local delivery of licences.
In addition to its role as a sounding board for new policy, the LLTG is pivotal in ensuring that issues relating to PBR which are being raised at a local level through meetings with customers and the Local Office Customer Panels are brought to the attention of the group.
The group also provides a conduit for resolving issues which may fall outside of its remit (e.g. system and accounts issues) but which may be impacting upon the local delivery of licences. The group does, on occasion, take a lead role in formulating and delivering training in connection with licences or work being devolved to Local Offices.
Agency/External PBR Policy Forum
Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
The Private Mobile Radio Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was formed (with effect from September 1997) and currently acts as a sub-group of the Mobile Spectrum Committee (MSC). Copies of the minutes and relevant papers will be sent to the secretary of the MSc
The Head of PBSU chairs the group, with the Project Manager provided by Manager of the Engineering Sub-Section of PBS. Membership comprises a number of representatives from PBSU to cover licensing, technical and monitoring issues, together with representatives of external Industry Trade Associations; as well as customer and user representatives.
Objectives
The objective of TAG is to provide a technical working forum for technical issues concerning Private Business Radio.
TAG is subordinate to the MSc, and will provide the MSc with technical briefing on all technical issues examined by the group.
Conduct
The Group meets as required at RA Headquarters, Wyndham House, Docklands, London.
Any member of TAG who, for three consecutive meetings, does not attend, offer apologies for absence or send a substitute, is deleted from the membership list.
Mobile Spectrum Committee
The Mobile Spectrum Committee (MSc) provides the forum for consultation between the Agency and the mobile radiocommunications industry. The remit of this group includes both terrestrial and satellite civil mobile services, including spectrum management issues and regulatory and spectrum pricing issues. Whilst the primary focus of this group is national policy, the committee also monitors international activities.
Customer panels
The Agency hosts 'Customer Panels' in each of its UK-wide local licensing centres to enable direct, face- to -face communication between the Agency's local staff and its customers. These working groups augment the strategic level consultations that are established within the Agency and build upon the day to day contact the Agency's local staff have built with radio users. Such contact is intended to foster and develop contact already operational at a local level and facilitate discussion and feedback upon policy across a number of Agency Business Units. The intention is for each licensing centre to hold a couple of Panel meetings each year where the Agency and customer will direct agendas as participants alike. Local panels include representatives from a cross section of the radio industry, including mobile radio dealers, users, manufacturers, police and the BBC.
Click here for more information regarding Customer Panels.
Publication of policy
Radiocommunications Agency Spectrum Strategy Document.
Details of radio spectrum allocated to the Private Business Radio sector are published annually in the Radiocommunications Agency Spectrum Strategy document. This document provides an annual audit of the use of spectrum used within the civil sector and outlines strategic developments affecting all Agency Business Units.
PBR News
Details of changes to licences and issues which affect users of Private Business Radio systems are communicated in editions of "PBR News" to all PBR licensees identified on the Unified Licensing (RULES) database.
Click here to view recent editions of PBR News.
PBS Policy and Procedures Manual.
This manual is provided under the Agency's commitment to openness and transparency in communicating its policies to licensees and in accordance with the central "open government" procedures.
Agency roadshows
The Agency has since (1996), embarked on an annual round of 'roadshows' given to a number of key locations in the UK. The typical format of these events involve the Chief Executive, accompanied by Agency directors giving presentations surrounding a particular theme and/or relating to issues which are currently impacting upon the work of the individual Agency Directorates. The events encourage attendance from all sectors of the UK's radio community, to raise issues and if required allow attendees to pre-book a personal consultation.
Agency website
The Agency website which can be accessed at www.radio.gov.uk is intended to present to radio users and staff alike, a comprehensive accurate and up to date record of Agency activities and information. The website provides an interactive and navigable means of accessing information. The website is continually reviewed and developed through the Agency's Communications Unit to achieve these aims, as well as to achieve Government and Agency targets applying to the electronic delivery of services to customers.
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter describes the different types of Private Business Radio (PBR) licences governing the use of PBR equipment within the UK and Northern Ireland.
PBR licence applications
At present the majority of PBR licences are applied for using the application forms available from the Agency website, the Agency enquiry point or one of the local offices. However, the Agency, like all government departments and agencies, is committed to achieving the target of making 100% of its services available electronically by 2005, as promised in the Modernising Government White Paper.
Within the PBR sector electronic applications are already accepted for the following licence types:
To make an electronic application for the above products and for more information on the Agency's and E-business plans visit http://www.radio.gov.uk/topics/ebusiness/online-index.htm
PBR licensing arrangements
The following table lists the PBR licences issued by Private Business Systems (PBS) Central Licensing Unit at Wyndham House or at the Agency's Local Licensing Centres under delegated local processing arrangements. The table also describes whether the licences are issued on a single or multi-site basis.
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Licence |
Product |
Licence |
Licensing
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On-site PBR Speech and Data Systems |
401060 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence per site |
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On-site PBR Local Communications Systems |
401070 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence per site |
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On-site PBR Hospital Paging and Emergency Speech Systems |
401080 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence per site |
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On-site PBR One-way Paging and Speech Systems |
401090 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence per site |
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Self-Select PBR |
402010 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence per site |
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Wide Area PBR Speech and Data Systems |
407010 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence per site |
| IR 2008 - Shared Wide Area Data | 401015 | PBS Central Licensing Unit | 1 licence per site |
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Wide Area PBR One-way Paging and Speech Systems |
407020 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence per site |
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Wide Area PBR Distress Alarm Systems |
407030 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence per site |
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National and Regional PBR |
409010 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit & Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence for all sites |
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PMR (Standard) Licence* |
401010 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence for all sites |
| PBR UK General | 401025 | Local Licensing Centres | 1 licence for all sites |
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Short Range Business Radio* |
405010 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence for all sites |
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Short Range Business Paging |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence for all sites |
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PBR Suppliers licence |
404010 |
Local Licensing Centres |
1 licence for all sites |
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PMR Road Construction* |
401020 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence for all sites |
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Police and Fire Comprehensive |
406010 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence for all sites |
| GSM-R | 409030 | PBS Central Licensing Unit | 1 licence for all sites |
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Public Safety Radio |
409020 |
PBS Central Licensing Unit |
1 licence for all sites |
* Licence product closed for new applications
On-site Private Business Radio (PBR) licences
There are four PBR licence classes, authorising the use of equipment in an 'on-site' environment:
What is an 'on-site' system?
An on-site system is a radio system that operates within a limited coverage area that is typically 3 kilometres in radius from a specified location.
On-site PBR Speech and Data Systems licence
On-site PBR Speech and Data systems transmit speech and/or data messages between a base station and mobile stations and/or between mobile stations. Typical uses include security guards at shopping centres and data systems in warehouses. Religious observance and call to prayer systems are now classified as On-site PBR Speech and Data systems.
Click on information sheet RA126 for further detail.
On-site PBR Local Communications Systems licence
On-site PBR Local Communications systems transmit non-speech paging messages from a base station to mobile stations and/or speech messages between the base station and mobile stations.
Click on information sheet RA242 for further detail.
On-site PBR Hospital Paging and Emergency Speech Systems licence
On-site PBR Hospital Paging and Emergency Speech systems are used in hospitals only. They transmit non-speech paging messages from a base station to mobile stations and speech messages between the base station and mobile stations. Speech messages must be sent in emergency situations only.
Click on information sheet RA242 for further detail.
On-site PBR One-way Paging and Speech Systems licence
On-site PBR One-way Paging and Speech systems transmit non-speech paging messages and speech messages from a base station to mobile receivers. Return messages cannot be sent to the base station.
Click on information sheet RA242 for further detail.
Self-select PBR licence
The Self-select PBR licence authorises on-site paging systems to transmit non-speech paging messages from a base station to mobile receivers. Return messages cannot be sent to the base station. The Self-select licence allows licensees (or in practice their suppliers) to decide which frequencies are best suited to the local operating environment. There is no requirement for licensees to tell the Agency which frequency is being used.
Click on information sheet RA242 for further detail.
Wide Area Private Business Radio (PBR) licence
There are three PBR licence classes, authorising the use of equipment in a 'wide area' environment:
While the systems are quite different, they all operate within 'wide area' coverage areas.
What is an 'wide area' system?
A wide area system is a radio system that operates within an area greater than 3km and typically up to 30km in radius from a specified location.
Wide Area PBR Speech and Data Systems licence
Wide Area PBR Speech and Data systems transmit speech messages and/or data messages between a base station and mobile stations and/or between mobile stations. Typical uses include taxi and courier operations.
Click on information sheet RA126 for further detail.
IR2008 - Shared Widea
Area Data
IR2008 is a channel access procedure for data on PMR introduced in July 2002.
IR2008 is a licence condition for shared wide area data channels that is non-prescriptive
on technology, modulation scheme, bit rate or protocol.
Click on information sheet RA
254 for further detail.
Wide Area PBR One-way Paging and Speech Systems licence
Wide Area PBR One-way Paging and Speech systems transmit non-speech paging messages and speech messages from a base station to mobile stations. Return messages cannot be sent to the base station. Religious observance and call to prayer systems are no longer classified as Wide Area PBR One-way Paging and Speech systems.
Click on information sheet RA46 for further detail.
Wide Area PBR (Distress Alarms) licence
Wide Area PBR Distress Alarm systems transmit speech and/or data alarm messages from alarm stations to a base station. The base station can confirm the receipt of alarm messages and check the status of the alarm stations by sending non-speech polling messages. Alarm messages must be sent in distress situations only. Due to the low number of users for this product, the number of available channels has been reduced from five down to two.
Click on information sheet RA209 for further detail.
PBR UK General Licence
The PBR UK General Licence allows customers to use hand-portable or mobile radio
equipment anywhere within the UK without the need to inform RA. The licence
for this service has been designed to allow access to one or more of fifteen
frequencies spread across four PMR bands.
Click on Information Sheet RA
412 for further detail.
National and Regional PBR licence
The National and Regional PBR licence authorises the exclusive use of speech and data systems on a 'national' (throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland) basis. National coverage does not include the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. If a licensee also has a speech or data system on the islands, it must be licensed as a separate On-site or Wide Area PBR Speech and Data Systems licence.
Click on information sheet RA126 for further detail.
PMR (Standard) licence
The PMR (Standard) licence is now closed to new applicants and only authorises the use of existing UK General systems. These systems transmit speech messages between mobile stations and can be used at any site throughout the United Kingdom or within a smaller specified area, provided the appropriate Local Licensing Centre is given at least 14 days notice of use. The PBR UK General Licence has replaced this product.
Click on information sheet RA 412 for further detail.
Short Range Business Radio (SRBR) licence
This licence product is now closed for new applications. The SRBR licence authorises the use of low power speech and paging systems. The systems can only be used in England, Scotland and Wales. As the channels are unprotected, the Agency will not intervene in the event of any Co-channel interference disputes between SRBR licensees.
SRBR speech systems
SRBR speech systems transmit speech messages between mobile stations. The licensee chooses the required frequency, from the channels allocated.
SRBR paging systems
SRBR paging systems transmit non-speech paging messages from a base station to mobile stations. Return messages cannot be sent to the base station.
The SRBR licence was withdrawn for new applicants on 30 September 1999 and all existing licences will end on 31 December 2003. The speech service has been replaced by the licence exempt PMR446 service. The paging service will continue under the Short Range Business Paging (SRBP) licence. Those SRBR licensees who indicated that they are using the paging service have been issued with replacement SRBP licences.
Short Range Business Paging (SRBP) licence
The SRBP licence replaced the SRBR paging service. SRBP systems are low power paging systems that transmit non-speech paging messages from a base station to mobile stations. Return messages cannot be sent to the base station. There is no licence fee for such systems.
Click on information sheets RA280, RA282 and RA283 for further detail.
PBR Suppliers licence
The PBR Suppliers licence authorises radio suppliers to provide the following services to customers:
The licence product gives access to a range of frequencies that are then in turn used by the end customer.
Holders of the Suppliers Licence are reminded that there are a number of events, which occur around the UK that have been designated by the RA as 'large events'. Before hiring, parking and/or demonstrating PMR and/or Radio Paging equipment at large events i.e. where there is extensive use of radio at the same location, licensees must seek special arrangements from the Agency Local Licensing Centre responsible for the location of the Large Event. This is to enable the co-ordination of frequencies and call signs.
The following events are currently
classified as Large Events:
| Large Event | Local Licensing Centre |
| Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone | Birmingham Regional Office |
| Events at the Birmingham NEC | Birmingham Regional Office |
| Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships | Whyteleafe Regional Office |
Click on information sheet RA347 for further detail.
PMR Road Construction licence
Due to the low demand and use of this product, It will be withdrawn from 31/07/04 and no new licenses will be issued prior to this date. The PMR Road Construction licence authorises contractors that have been awarded contracts by the Department of Transport, Scottish Executive Development Department or National Assembly for Wales, to use radio systems at road construction sites. Although the Frequencies are assigned in England and Wales by the Department of Transport and in Scotland by the Scottish Executive Development Department, the WT Act licence is issued by the RA.
Click on information sheet RA208 for further detail.
Police and Fire Comprehensive Radio licence
The Police and Fire Comprehensive Radio licence authorises the use of radio by the police and fire services in the United Kingdom. The frequencies are assigned in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man by the Home Office; in Scotland by the Scottish Executive; and in Northern Ireland by the RUC Police Authority Technology Group. These licences will be cancelled, as police and fire services, take up radio spectrum allocated through the Public Safety Radio Communications Service (PSRCS) and other public safety systems.
Public Safety Radio licence
Public Safety Radio licences authorise the use of radio spectrum for public safety use. Such licences may be issued to permit use of radio spectrum at 380MHz-400MHz and elsewhere. The issuing of Public Safety Radio licences is approved through the Public Safety Spectrum Policy Group, which includes representatives of the various Government departments with radio spectrum interests. Public Safety Radio licences may be issued for use throughout the UK including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Licence exempt PBR equipment
At present the only PBR equipment which has been exempted from licensing is PMR446 equipment.
PMR446 service
The PMR446 service is a licence exempt service used for the low power transmission of speech messages between handportables. As the service is licence exempt, the Agency will not get involved with Co-channel interference disputes between users.
Click on information sheet RA357 for further detail.
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter explains what is meant by a comprehensive customer and how they are administered by the RA.
What is a comprehensive customer?
A comprehensive customer is dealt with at PBS Central Licensing Unit or at one of the Agency's Local Licensing Centres regardless of where the base station(s) or operating site(s) is located. Comprehensive customers are dealt with at a single licensing centre, when for reasons of convenience, a customer indicates a wish to have a central point of contact for their licences.
Such requests are usual when a customer has a large number of single site licences or a National and Regional PBR licence with base stations and/or operating sites located in more than one region. In these cases the appointment of a single contact will result in a simpler and less bureaucratic administrative process for the customer. Alternatively a customer may ask for their licence to be processed at a single site regardless of how many base stations or operating sites or their location. In all cases there must be a central contact for Administration purposes.
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter gives an overview of the licensing of Private Business Radio (PBR) systems.
What is a licence?
A licence is an authority granted by the Secretary of State permitting the installation or use of radio equipment.
Radio licences are issued under the terms of Wireless Telegraphy legislation and normally consist of a licence document containing standard Agency terms and conditions and one or more licence schedules containing the terms and conditions (including technical parameters and frequencies) that apply to the equipment being licensed.
Why is a licence required?
The radio spectrum is a finite resource for which demand can greatly exceed supply. Consequently the use of radio frequencies requires careful planning, in order to make the best use of the available spectrum as well as ensuring that minimum interference is caused to authorised radio users. The basis for this planning is through the issue of licences – enabling the Agency to control and plan the use of the spectrum effectively and efficiently.
When is a licence required?
A licence is required for any radio system not covered by an existing licence or where the radio equipment has not been exempted from licensing by the Wireless Telegraphy Exemption Regulations. A new licence is also required, in the event of a take- over of a radio system covered by an existing licence.
Licence processing
Applications for Private Business Radio (PBR) licences are processed by the PBSU Central Licensing Unit at Wyndham House or at the Agency's Local Licensing Centres under delegated local processing arrangements.
Licences processed at the Local Licensing Centres are processed by the Licensing Centre in whose region the base station or operating area is located.
Comprehensive licences
Some licences, which would normally be processed at the Agency's Local Licensing Centres, are processed at PBS Central Licensing Unit or at one of the Local Licensing Centres regardless of the location of the base station or operating area. These licences are called 'comprehensive licences'. Licensees with comprehensive licences normally have several licences with base stations or operating sites in more than one region. It is therefore easier to process all the licences at one location rather than pass the paperwork from local office to local office.
Licence application procedure
An application form must be submitted for all new licence applications. A licence fee is required for all PBR licences, except Short-Range Business Paging. The fee is generally submitted with the licence application but where the applicant is unable to correctly identify the appropriate licence fee, the form may be submitted without a fee. In these cases the applicant will be notified of the correct fee when the licence has been processed, but the licence will not be issued until the fee is paid.
Licences and stations
Most PBR licences are issued on a one licence per site basis i.e. the licence authorises the use of appropriate radio equipment within the coverage area. Most radio systems consist of a single radio system or 'station'. Some systems have more than one base station, but to be covered by a single site licence; the additional stations must form part of the same radio system and operate within the same coverage area. Stations not forming part of the same system or operating outside the coverage area must be licensed separately.
Other licences cover all the stations throughout the United Kingdom regardless of whether they form part of the same system.
An application form must be submitted for all additional stations where the location or use of the stations must be recorded.
Amendments to licences
All requests to amend licences must be in writing. Faxes are acceptable. Amendments must not be made simply as a result of a telephone call. Where there are moves of stations, application forms must be submitted.
Licences can be amended at the request of Agency personnel. This might arise through a site inspection or the correction of a simple error. If an amendment changes any of the details that appear on a station schedule, a revised schedule must be issued. If the licensee name or address changes, a revised licence must be issued.
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Please refer to the Licensing Policy manual for information on the introduction of Spectrum Pricing.
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Aims of this chapter
This chapter describes the underlying fee mechanisms used to determine fees for licenses issued in the Private Business Radio based on the principles of spectrum pricing and legislation described in Section D Chapter 1: Spectrum Pricing: Introduction.
Introduction
Administrative pricing of radio spectrum in the mobile sector.
Administrative pricing requires fees to be set at an appropriate level in circumstances where there is not a true market from which the value of spectrum can be determined. The fee needs to be set at a level that maintains a balance for the supply and demand for spectrum. In competitive markets, the price of a commodity is generally equal to the marginal value of the goods or services consumed. A number of ways of estimating the marginal value or opportunity cost of spectrum were considered, for the mobile radio sector. These included – revenue of the organisation using the spectrum resource; profitability of the spectrum using activity; and the cost of the next best alternative (radio or non-radio technology, alternative service or frequency band).
The revenue approach was rejected, as it does not give a reliable indicator of the value of spectrum. For example, a firm with greater revenue per MHz of radio spectrum could place less value on its use of spectrum than others, where the use of radio might only contribute a relatively minor part of its activities. The profitability of spectrum using activities was also considered inappropriate because of the problems of obtaining data. The approach of the next best alternative was therefore adopted.
Least cost alternative
To determine the administrative price, assumptions need to be made on the least cost practical alternative. For users of private business radio the options included narrow band technology, moving to a different band, or an alternative service such as public access mobile radio (PAMR). The last of these were used as a means of arriving at the marginal value of radio spectrum in the mobile radio sector. The charge to be applied to a licence would need to take into account the marginal value of spectrum and other factors.
Other factors
Other factors to be included in the fee calculation include:
Congestion
Congestion is the economic argument that justifies the need for spectrum pricing. Congestion can be encountered when users are either denied access or perceive significant degradation in the service offered to them. Congestion can be considered to exist when the traffic offered to a channel exceeds the capacity of that channel. In determining the criteria to determine the existence or otherwise of congestion it is necessary to draw a distinction between spectrum which is shared by a number of different users and spectrum which has been granted for exclusive use.
Criteria for congestion for PBR shared users.
With respect to PBR users of shared channels there were a number of options available. To:
Determine a threshold level channel loading that might be accommodated in a 'busy hour' in the sterilised area at an acceptable and pre-determined level of service;
Determine a threshold based on the number of mobiles that might be accommodated in the coverage/sterilised area and compare with the actual level of mobiles recorded in the Radiocommunications Agency's database and,
Apply a subjective measure of congestion based upon the level of difficulty experienced by the Radiocommunications Agency in making new assignments given the licensing information available, the propagation tools available and the application of local knowledge.
In considering the use of wide area shared channels, the Agency looked at the number of mobiles recorded on the licensing database per system and then used monitoring figures or estimation to arrive at a traffic level per mobile according to the type of system. These were combined to produce a total traffic level existing within a 10km x 10km grid square. A system partially covering a square was taken as contributing 50% of its traffic in that square. If the total traffic exceeded one of two thresholds then that channel was considered congested (C) or heavily congested (HC) as appropriate. If 70% or more of the available channels were congested or heavily congested then the entire band was considered congested in that square and if 70% or more of the available channels were heavily congested then the entire band was considered heavily congested in that square. Applying this to all mobile bands produced the following table:
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Band |
Heavily congested in National Grid sq. |
Congested in National Grid sq. |
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VHF High Band
UHF Band 1 UHF Band 2 |
All 3 bands considered to heavily congested when used in the following : TQ 250 750, TQ 250 850 TQ 350 750, TQ 350 850 |
All 3 bands considered to congested when used in the following : TQ 150 750, TQ 150 850 TQ 250 950, TQ 350 950 TQ 450 750, TQ 450 850 |
All other bands (Band 1, VHF Low and Mid Bands and Band 3) were considered to be non-congested for PBR throughout the UK.
The value of the Spectrum Tariff Unit (STU)
Market and congestion of mobile services
Based upon a scenario of a perfect market for mobile services it would be possible to arrive at a common STU for all services. However, given that there does not exist a perfect market for mobile services (mobile frequency allocations are not truly interchangeable and mobile services are not perfect substitutes), different congestion scenarios are encountered for different services provided in the various bands.
Marginal cost of mobile radio spectrum and value of STU
Based upon research and findings commissioned from economic consultants NERA/Smith, in the first Consultation Document the Agency derived a common STU for PMR/CBS, PAMR, GSM and DCS1800 services of £1.65/MHz/sq km. The area of the UK is 240000 sq. km, giving £9900 for a national 2 x 12.5kHz channel. Applying the PBR congestion methodology, the calculations yielded heavy congestion in central London and congestion in some immediately adjacent squares. With a charging ratio of HC: C: NC = 4:2:1 and assuming 20 reuses of a channel throughout the UK, the calculations yield 18 instances of NC, 1 instance of C and 1 instance of HC. So the £9900 national charge is split up for wide area shared users as (18 x NC) + (1 x 2NC) + (1 x 4NC), giving NC = £412.50, C = £825 and HC = £1650, rounded to £410, £820 and £1640.
Final fee factors
In determining the final fee to be paid by PBR users the Agency takes into account:
Bandwidth ( the amount of frequency allocated)
Frequency band used (whether the band is considered to be congested)
Location (whether the geographical area of use is considered to be congested)
Sterilised area (the area for which no further frequency assignments can be made)
Exclusivity ( the degree to which channels are considered to occupied by users according to the number of mobiles and characteristics of radio use)
Bandwidth
The fee is adjusted to directly reflect the amount of bandwidth assigned (e.g. whether the channels are 12.5kHz or 25kHz)
Sterilised area
A 40km radius sterilised area is considered to be appropriate for Wide Area Private Business systems, in line with the 20 x reuse factor.
Exclusivity
Fees for Wide Area PBR systems take into account an exclusivity (or degree of channel sharing factor), which is used to adjust the final fee paid and is determined by the type of business use and the number of mobiles capable of use on each channel. The following exclusivity factors apply to the differing categories of business class shown:
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Range of mobiles (per channel) for Different Business Classes
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Exclusivity factor |
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Data Dominant and Data-only Users
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Local Government and Band 3 users |
Taxi, Minicab and couriers |
All other PBR users |
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1-38 mobiles |
1-18 mobiles |
1-11 mobiles |
1-8 mobiles |
0.05 |
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39-150 mobiles |
19-72 mobiles |
12-45 mobiles |
9-30 mobiles |
0.2 |
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151-375 mobiles |
73-180 mobiles |
46-113 mobiles |
31-175 mobiles |
0.5 |
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>375 mobiles
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>180 mobiles |
> 113 mobiles |
> 175 mobiles |
1 |
Fee Factors applied to differing licence classes
The factors used to calculate licence fees for each licence class is shown below:
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Licence class |
Factors |
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On-site PBR |
Bandwidth, Frequency Band, & Location |
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Wide Area PBR |
Bandwidth, Frequency Band, Sterilised area Location & Exclusivity factor |
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National & Regional PBR |
Frequency Band |
Development of the PBR Spectrum Tariff Unit
As a means of setting equitable fees the derivation of Spectrum Tariff Units were set out in the 1997 and 1998 Consultation documents on Implementing Spectrum Pricing. The aim of the evaluation of the STU was to obtain a value for spectrum from which individual licences could be separately obtained. The initial values have been set well within the economic values, suggested by external studies and have been conservatively calculated. It is expected that a re-evaluation of these initial prices will take place following the initial completion of spectrum pricing implementation.
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