Minutes of the seventh meeting of the 450-470 MHz Band Realignment Project Industry Working Group Held on Tuesday 6 March 2001 at No 1 Victoria Street

Minutes of the seventh meeting of the 450-470 MHz band realignment project Industry Working Group held on Tuesday 6 March 2001 at No 1 Victoria Street.

Those present:

Stephen Limb RA
Tim Cull Motorola
Alan Hudson FCS Consultant
Derek Banner Wireless Messaging Association
Anton Matthews FCS
Derek Baker Multitone
Richard Greenleaf JFMG
David Priestley JRC
Dr Adrian Noad RAM Mobile Data
David Tripp CSS

Apologies:

Keith Jones Transco (Long term leave due to illness)
Mike Brookes LPRA
Mike Thilo Radio Systems Ltd
Glenn Everett DTI
Gerald David Aerial Group

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting had not been completed and will be considered at the next meeting.

Survey progress

The members of the group discussed the circulation of the survey. SL informed the group that a letter was being automatically generated by RA's licensing system when any licensing changes occurred in the band.

It was agreed that a copy of this letter should be sent to the IWG, in order for them to see what we are trying to achieve.

ACTION: Stephen Limb to copy the letter to IWG
(Note - This was sent electronically during the meeting)

It was agreed that if there was any delay in sending out these letters it would be costly to the industry as licensees need to know in advance so they have enough time to prepare for the changes. It was agreed that the aim of the survey is to use its results to minimise the cost and disruption to small businesses. The survey will also reveal the level of complexity involved in the implementation and the likelihood and magnitude of any potential claims for assistance that may result.

A unanimous decision was made for the survey to be submitted.

The paperwork is complete however the Minister's approval has to be gained which is unlikely until after the anticipated general election. SL will push for immediate and urgent priority approval.

ACTION: Stephen Limb to push for urgent release of ministerial submission

A requirement for a project plan software package was identified - SL will put in an acquisition request for Microsoft Project 2000 and it was agreed that if this is accepted, all will purchase the same product.

ACTION: Stephen Limb to raise a case to acquire Microsoft Project 2000

SMAG Seminar Preparations

In September the SMAG agreed to sponsor a survey launch seminar with the Minister present. The SMAG are aware of the survey. Once results are back a seminar will take place - this will provisionally be after the election.

Comments on the draft band plan:

The timing is not yet confirmed but is estimated that each stage of the plan may take 6 months. The implications are not just financial - people with expertise are needed and time must be allowed for manufacturers to build equipment. It is critical that in the next IWG someone from HO should talk about the likely Emergency Services' spectrum release dates.

ACTION: Stephen Limb to invite someone from the Home Office Frequency Planning Branch to the next meeting

SL confirmed that once the band plan had gained consensus within the project, it would be subject to public consultation. This would have a 3-month reply period, 2 months analysis (including gaining other Govt. departments' approval). The aim is to have an approved plan by February 2002.

It was mentioned that part of the band is currently being used by the police and that this is scheduled for release in England and Wales at the end of 2004. No firm date exists for release in Scotland, but it is estimated to be in 2005.

There was some discussion about the combination of stages. There was some concern on PMR services being in two stages thus creating base & mobile transmits on adjacent channels.

It was agreed that SL would provide a detail of constraints and other factors that had to be considered in producing the current band plan.

ACTION: Stephen Limb to develop an explanation of the stages including constraints

Any other business

AH was thanked for his response to the "typical charges for reversal" paper.

SL presented a preliminary paper on PBR licence statistics in this band. It was acknowledged that this probably had double counting errors and other anomalies and was therefore potentially inaccurate. The concept of this sort of information being available was welcomed and SL will see if Ray Wilson (RA) can help provide more accurate tables. The on site market appeared to be in strong growth and AH remarked that with such a high growth market, it is important to make the transfer as early as possible to minimise the amount of equipment that need to be modified.

ACTION: SL to enlist the help of Ray Wilson in producing more accurate tables

Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 15 May 2001