The Realignment of the 450-470 MHz Band - Introduction

Major Programme

The Radiocommunications Agency is embarking on a major programme of frequency realignment within the 450 – 470 MHz band. For many years radio users in this band, particularly those who operate towards the south and east coasts, have suffered interference from radio transmissions from mainland Europe. To tackle this problem it is necessary to bring the use of the frequencies in this band into line with our European colleagues.

This restructuring now gives us an opportunity to find the frequency usage that is the most suitable for all licensees in the band. It gives everyone the chance to evaluate their use of radio and decide what is the best way to help their business in the future.

The Radiocommunications Agency will be carrying out a far reaching and comprehensive audit of frequency usage in the 450-470 MHz band in the coming months which will give all licensees the chance to say what part of the band they would prefer to operate in.

Our customers are being given a chance to tell us the best way we can help them meet their and their customers' communications needs.

As a current user of radio equipment you are no doubt aware of the rapidly changing technology that is transforming the use of telecommunications throughout the world, and in particular the business world.

The technological advance that is making the biggest impact in the telecommunications world currently is the use of digital techniques. Cellular phones and television are just two of the high profile uses of digital technology that are currently impacting on everyday life with enormous consequences.

The use of digital technology is not just limited to broadcasting and cellular telephony however. The restructuring of the band in which you are operating will give every user the chance to take stock of their technological needs for now and the future and decide whether digital technology is the way ahead for them or whether they want to stay with their traditional radio equipment.

All licensees will soon be receiving formal notification of the band realignment, planning for which will be taking place between now and January 2005, with implementation occurring from 2005 in a phased plan. This notification will be followed by a questionnaire which gives you the opportunity to tell us, the Radiocommunications Agency, what you would like to gain from the realignment and how you see the future use of radio developing within your company or business.

The project of frequency realignment is envisaged to take several years from 2005 to be fully implemented but that does not mean that its alright to sit back, relax and forget about it. In the modern commercial market place the old adage that "those who fail to plan are planning to fail" has never been more relevant.

The forthcoming audit by the Radiocommunications Agency gives everyone a chance to let the Government know what they want for their licence fees and, equally importantly, a chance to plan for the future. That is why it is vitally important that the questionnaires are not simply thrown away or put to one side for later.

By helping us get a clear picture of what radio users want, you will be helping yourselves and helping British business.

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