PBR
embraces electronic licensing
In
1999 the Government published the entitled The Modernising Government
White Paper. One of the requirements of the white paper is that 100% of
dealings with government must be deliverable electronically by the year
2005. Essentially the aim is to make it as easy and simple to do most
of the main dealings with government, as it is to make a telephone call
or choose between TV programmes. An interim target was set stating that
25% of services must be deliverable electronically by 2002. Further information
on Modernising Government can be found at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/moderngov/
As a first step in RA's drive towards fully embracing Modernising Government
and e-commerce, Private Business Systems Unit (PBSU) is launching e-licensing
for Private Business Systems Paging Licences. It is intended that this
web-enabled, electronic licensing facility will be available through the
RA's website from late Summer 2001.
The RA has consulted, over the course of the development process, with
the paging industry and its representative body, the On-Site Communications
Association (OSCA), and has benefited greatly from their contributions.
Once again, PBSU is pleased to be at the forefront of a new licensing
initiative. Previous ground-breaking areas for PBSU have included the
introduction of a comprehensive Procedures Manual and the first full application
of Spectrum Pricing.
The RA's electronic licensing project is led by David Cowie who, readers
will recall, spent several years as part of the PBSU team. Any questions
relating to e-licensing should be directed to David at the Wyndham House
address or by e-mail at david.cowie@ra.gsi.gov.uk
tel: 020 7211 0634.
Independent
spectrum review
The
radio spectrum is an essential raw material for many of the UK's industries.
But the amount of spectrum available is finite - and ensuring that it is used
efficiently is essential if the function and growth of these industries is not
to be impeded.
The
next decade will see significant growth and innovation in wireless communications.
The UK has been successful in making spectrum available for new services but
it is vital that the framework for spectrum management keeps up with the pace
of change if the UK is to remain at the forefront of the information revolution.
To help it move forward in this area, the Government has commissioned an independent
review of spectrum management, to report to the Chancellor and to the Secretary
of State for Trade and Industry by the end of 2001. This review is being led
by Professor Martin Cave, Vice Principal of Brunel University.
A consultation
paper "Radio Spectrum Management Review" is part of the review process and will
help develop principles that will underpin an economically efficient radio spectrum.
Benefits for the UK economy will cover the private and public sectors, strengthening
the quality and breadth of services to the public.
The
input from all interested parties will not only establish the ideal framework
but also maximise choice for all users.
It
raises a number of areas for debate, including:
- the economic
gains to be won by the efficient use of the spectrum;
- the best regulatory
framework for the management of the spectrum;
- use of the spectrum
by a number of sectors including defence, broadcasting and emergency services;
and
- pricing and
auctions of spectrum.
Comments
on any aspect of the Consultation Paper should be sent to Daniel Storey at the
following address.
Radio
Spectrum Management Review
c/o Radiocommunications
Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX
E-mail:
spectrum.review@ra.gsi.gov.uk
The
consultation paper is available at the following web address: www.spectrumreview.radio.gov.uk
or via the Radiocommunications Agency website.
Useful
telephone numbers
| RA
Enquiry Point |
Tel
020 7211 0211 |
Fax
020 7211 0507 |
| Paging |
Tel
020 7211 0200 |
Fax
020 7211 0118 |
| PMR
446/Short Range Business Radio |
Tel
020 7211 0201/0199 |
Fax
020 7211 0118 |
| Customer
Accounts Queries |
Tel
020 7211 0206 |
Fax
020 7211 0419 |
| Private
Business Radio |
Tel
Regional Offices |
|
| PBR
Suppliers Licence |
Tel
Regional Offices |
|
Contact
details for the regional offices can be found on the information sheet RA206
(details on how to obtain this form can be found at the end
of this document).
Joining
in - Roadshow 2001
Panel members at last year's event
When
Marconi successfully demonstrated transatlantic radio a hundred years ago this
December, few people could have foreseen the enormous impact that radio would
have. Its power, however, was soon evident - witness Dr Crippen's arrest in
1910 while sailing to Canada and the rescue of survivors from the Titanic in
1912.
A hundred
years on, every feasible part of the radio spectrum - from a few kHz to tens
of GHz - is fully subscribed. The amount of data that can be packed in almost
defies belief. Countries that talk to each other about little else are prepared
to discuss harmonising frequencies.
What's
as remarkable as the technology is that the radio spectrum is still open and
available to all. The amateur operator has affordable access, as does the communications
multinational and both have expectations of good service without interference
from the millions of other users.
The
reason for this is that the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) and its counterparts
around the world manage the radio spectrum for the common good. They keep ahead
of new technologies, introduce changes as necessary and anticipate developments
that could stifle or support economic growth.
Each
year the Chief Executive and senior Directors of the RA tour the country, explaining
changes made or planned and asking for the views of all types of radio user.
These free events comprise formal presentations, question and answer sessions,
and informal discussions over coffee and lunch.
This
year's tour looks ahead to the formation of Ofcom - a single organisation comprising
RA, the Broadcasting Standards Commission, the Independent Television Commission,
the Radio Authority and Oftel. It will reflect the findings of an independent
review of spectrum management announced in this year's Budget, and the progress
made on the new Communications Bill. It will also cover licensing (including
the proposed new amateur licences), e-licensing and the 450-470MHz band re-alignment
project, plus broadband to the home, 5GHz devices, third-generation mobile phones
and progress on PBR. The tour will also include an exhibition covering aspects
of recent and planned developments.
The
experience of delegates in previous years is that most of the content is of
interest, and much is of direct relevance to their particular use of radio.
The experience of speakers is that the views expressed by the audience are of
immense value in helping set plans and priorities.
So
come along and help set the agenda for the start, at least, of the next 100
years. The essence of radio, after all, is joining in.
For
more information call the event hotline on 020 7720 4411 or visit the website.
Digital
radio - the first steps
The RA has recently
received an application to license an on-site digital PBR system using a technology
called TETRAPOL, a digital radio system similar in many ways to an MPT1327 analogue
trunk system. This is the first application of its kind and is a clear sign
that the journey into the digital age is well and truly under way. The RA is
keen to license such a system, as this service will provide the customer with
functions not available using conventional analogue radio. Some of the functions
of TETRAPOL include:
- Group communication
- Direct mode
(mobile-to-mobile)
- Private communications
- User groups
- Data
- Status
- Short data message
- Built-in database
query
- Encryption (end-to-end)
Another
feature of TETRAPOL is that it meets the requirements of IR2001, which effectively
means that it can be licensed on the same channels as existing analogue radio.
Although
the assignment of TETRAPOL systems may not be possible at the moment because
the band the system currently operates in is not available to standard PBR services,
there is some hope, as manufacturers’ information sheets suggest, that TETRAPOL
equipment may be available for operation in other frequency bands. With the
ongoing UHF band re-alignment project, mentioned in the last issue, the intention
is to assign channels in the re-aligned band plan.
RA
will therefore consider applications to use TETRAPOL, although the assignment
of systems in the UK will be complex. If you have any views on this subject
and would like to discuss it further then please contact Paul Jarvis on 020
7211 0481 or e-mail: paul.jarvis@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Further
information on TETRAPOL can be found at www.tetrapol.com
|
|
|
Hera
Miah (far left) and Linda Ramsey (left) from the Agency using TETRAPOL technology.
|
The
"e" Mark
Cars and trucks
today are very sophisticated compared with even the recent past, and many have
electronic systems that require safeguarding to ensure that they do not cause
interference to braking and speed control systems.
In
October 1995, the European Commission (EC) issued a directive (95/54/EC) with
the aim of improving safety by minimising the risk of interference to essential
electronic systems in vehicles.
The
Directive states that all four-wheel vehicles (other than tractors and mobile
machinery) with a design speed greater than 25 kph will need to meet suitable
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)standards, and this includes electronic/electrical
sub-assemblies fitted to the vehicles. Equipment that meets these EMC standards
is marked with an "e" mark. The "e" mark should not be confused with the "CE"
mark, which is for general equipment, and requires conformity to a number of
different standards. Since 1995 it has been acceptable to certify automotive
equipment with the "CE" mark, but this will not be allowed after October 2002.
This
indicates that no new car built after October 2002 can be fitted with a radio
transceiver, or any other equipment that produces radio emissions, unless that
equipment has an "e" mark. This presents a number of problems, not least if
a mobile radio user acquires a new car it will not be acceptable to transfer
the old radio to the new vehicle, unless it has the "e" mark, a fact that could
cause considerable hardship to some businesses.
As
RA is currently unaware of any manufacturers who are making "e" marked equipment,
the radio industry and its users should be aware that 95/54/EC exists, and that
implementation day is not too far distant. When this Directive was introduced,
2002 seemed a long way away, so maybe preparations have been delayed. In 1996
it wasn’t clear what the Directive meant, and it has only recently become clear
that it will have very wide implications.
Radios
are not the only devices affected by this Directive, as it applies to all electric/electronic
equipment. RA does not have all the answers, but along with other government
bodies we are working on guidance and clarification for industry, and this will
follow in due course. In the meantime it might be worth looking at your vehicle
requirments for 2002 and onward, then have a look at the 95/54 Directive if
you think you may have a problem.
For
further views and discussion on this subject please contact Steve Hoye on 020
7211 0516 or e-mail: steve.hoye@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Correction
Many
readers may have seen the article entitled "Mobile Assignment Technical
System (MASTS)" in the last issue of PBR News. The article states that
"the new tool (MASTS) will also form part of the public access system scheduled
for 2004, which will enable the public to complete on-line applications through
the Internet". We would like to point out that although MASTS will form
an integral part of e-licensing for PBR, the Agency is already rolling out e-licensing
for some licence categories. A pilot scheme for PBR Paging licensing (see page
1) will also start in the autumn of this year.
PBR
News apologises for any confusion that this may have caused.
Commonwealth Games
2002
The
XVII Commonwealth Games will take place in Manchester from 25 July to 4 August
2002. The event will involve the 72 Commonwealth countries, with 18 events expected
to cover an area of some 15 miles. This is the biggest multi-sport event ever
to be seen in the UK and will be opened by Her Majesty the Queen in what will
be her Jubilee Year.
Already,
questions are being received from radio users, both from the UK and overseas.
To ensure that radio use and licensing for this event is carried out as smoothly
as possible, meetings have already taken place to discuss the impact this is
likely to have and establish a "way forward".
The
radio spectrum is not used solely for business. Radio entertains and informs
us; allows us to communicate for business and for pleasure. The radio spectrum
is used for a vast range of business, cultural, social and scientific purposes.
Television and sound broadcasting spring immediately to mind. Radio plays an
increasingly important part in our everyday life.
Some
examples of radio use at sporting and public events are:
Safety of life
- medical and first aid and spectator safety at event sites.
Organisers'
support services - site security, crowd control, time keeping, catering
and car parking.
Participants'
requirements - for voice and data communications.
Programme making
- radio microphones, sound, vision and data links for the production of outside
broadcasts.
Restricted
radio services - short-term sound broadcasting services associated with
a particular event. A guidance note on these services is available from the
Radio Authority.
Restricted
television services - short-term television broadcasting services associated
with a particular event. A guidance note on these services is available from
the Independent Television Commission.
ARRANGEMENTS
FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2002
The
Radiocommunications Agency (RA) has the responsibility of regulating the use
of radio.
The
successful running of the Commonwealth Games may be affected by the unauthorised
use of radio equipment. Therefore the use of radio has to be carefully planned
to give as high a standard of service as possible. Unauthorised use of radio
can cause harmful interference to legitimate users. Safety of life may be put
at risk if, for example, the radio system used by the emergency services suffer
interference.
RA
produces a range of information sheets covering the various licence categories
and can advise on technical standards applicable to radio equipment.
Enquiries
regarding licence applications for radio use during the Commonwealth Games 2002
should be made to:
Programme
Making & Special Events Section
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Tel
020 7211 0811/0391
Fax 020 7211 0899
E-mail pmse@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Land
Mobile Radio Licensing and Channel Statistics Report - 2001
With
the constantly growing demand for the finite resource that is the radio spectrum,
RA has made a commitment to publish detailed statistics on spectrum usage in
land mobile radio bands.
The
2001 report provides information on licensed Private Business Radio (PBR) services
as at 31 December 2000 and the numbers of radios operating under these licences.
The
report is split into two parts:
Part 1) PBR
Licence Statistics provides a breakdown of licensing data by various licence
and business use categories. Additional data is also provided showing the
number of PBR frequency assignments and mobiles in each of the land mobile
radio bands.
Part 2) The
Land Mobile Spectrum section provides details of spec-trum available to
PBR services in the land mobile radio bands and how it is used. This section
also provides similar information about public access mobile radio, common
base stations, national public data operator services, radio paging (standard),
local communications, short range business radio and wide area paging.
If
you have any queries concerning the report please contact Ray Wilson at:
Radiocommunications
Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Tel
020 7211 0811/0391
Fax 020 7211 0899
E-mail ray.wilson@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Watchschemes
- a revised policy
Watchschemes
are created by groups of individuals or organisations, such as shops, to provide
increased security for businesses and property. This increased security is based
on communication between members of the scheme, with Private Business Radio
being the most commonly used method.
As
with all licences, a licence can only be issued to a body that has legal status.
This means that an individual or registered company within the group can hold
the licence or the group itself can form a registered company and become the
licensee.
However,
these scenarios are not ideal as quite often an individual or registered company
within the group does not wish to be the sole licensee as they would then be
responsible for the radio use of all the other members. Also, the group as a
whole may not wish to go through the inconvenience of forming a limited company
solely to be the licensee for the watchscheme.
In
some cases the actual supplier of the radio equipment used may wish to become
the licensee. In the past the policy has been that the supplier must form a
company, registered with Companies House, whose sole purpose is to provide and
operate such schemes. With effect from 01/02/2001 RA has removed this condition
and the supplier may now become the licensee in his or her own right.
Further
information on watchschemes can be found on information sheet RA324.
PBS welcomes
a new Licensing Manager
Stuart Hogbin
PBR
News is pleased to announce that Stuart Hogbin of the PBS Central Licensing
Unit has become the new Team Leader of the section. He is replacing Jason Simons
who will be concentrating on policy matters regarding Private Business Radio.
Many of our customers will have had dealings with Stuart as he has worked in
the RA for a number of years and was previously responsible for the licensing
of a number of major customers, in areas such as the construction industry and
breakdown recovery services.
Stuart will still be involved indirectly with licensing matters, but his new
role will be to oversee the general day-to-day running of the Unit, and ensure
that it meets its performance targets. He will also provide secretariat support
for the Radio Quality Council and administration of the Radio Quality Assurance
Scheme.
Inspection
statistics
As
part of RA's role as spectrum manager, regional office staff carry out inspections
on both new and existing PBR installations. The charts below illustrate the
statistics for the last quarter. If serious discrepancies are found, enforcement
action may be taken which could result in prosecution proceedings being instigated.
| NEW
INSTALLATIONS |
EXISTING
INSTALLATIONS |
Key
to Licensing Centres: |
 |
 |
1 = Scotland
2 =
Northern Ireland
3 =
NE England
4 =
NW England
5 =
Wales
6 =
SW England
7 =
Midlands & East Anglia
8 =
London & SE
|
|
|
New
|
Existing
|
|
Total
number of inspections
|
555
|
108
|
|
Total
number of discrepancies
|
101
|
42
|
Private
Business Radio News
Radiocommunications Agency
11G/10F Wyndham House, 189 Marsh Wall,
London E14 9SX
Editors: Steven Gleeson and Linda
Ramsey. Production: Linda Ramsey
Telephone: 020 7211 0187 Fax: 020
7211 0118
Any comments about PBR News are always
welcome, please e-mail us at "pbrnews@ra.gsi.gov.uk"
All
the information sheets mentioned in this newsletter, including RA
206 which provides details of our regional offices, are available from our
Library on Tel 020 7211 0505/0502, by e-mail library@ra.gsi.gov.uk.
Alternatively they can be found on the RA website
