Consultation on Licence Exempt Public Telecommunications Extended

The Agency's consultation on Licence Exempt public telecommunications services published on 18th October has been extended until 15th February 2002. Those planning to respond to the consultation will also wish to be aware that the Agency will shortly be publishing the final stage of the earlier consultation on Short Range High Data Rate Nomadic Equipment Operating in the Frequency Range 5.15 to 5.875 GHz. Further details regarding the 5GHz band proposals can in the meantime be obtained from andy.gowans@ra.gsi.gov.uk

In September, the Agency commissioned independent consultants Mason Communications in partnership with DotEcon, to carry out a study of the technical and economic issues associated with the proposed relaxation of Exemption Regulations to allow public services using licence exempt spectrum. A copy of the final report will be available on the Agency's website later this month.

Temporary Use Licences

In response to a number of enquiries from potential providers of licence exempt public services, the Agency has decided to consider applications for temporary licences to operate trial systems in licence exempt spectrum pending the outcome of the consultations. Licences, which will be considered for trial systems operating in the 1.88 to 1.9 GHz; 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz or 5.15 to 5.875 GHz bands, will be valid for a maximum period of six months and subject to certain conditions including:

maximum radiated power;

number of base stations limited to 20 maximum;

antenna heights not exceeding 30 metres agl.

non interference to licenced services;

no protection from interference.

Temporary licences issued under this arrangement will not permit the provision of commercial services and are intended only for the trial of equipment and market analysis. Applications should be made on the form available on RA Information Sheet RA382.