Disclosure Of Wireless Telegraphy Licence Information On Radio Frequency And Assignment Use - A Consultation Document

Recommendation 5.2
The RA should seek to implement an on-line frequency register covering all the civil radiocommunications bands and the radio systems utilising them. The frequency register should contain a core set of technical and location-based information which would form the basis for operators to carry out the necessary interference co-ordinations associated with any proposed change of use and/or trade within a given band. The RA should also, in conjunction with industry, agree a common understanding of the technical criteria for calculating interference levels.

3.4 The Government agrees it would be desirable to publish more information about frequency assignments, provided this can be done in a way that meets legitimate concerns about national security, law enforcement and commercial confidentiality. The Radiocommunications Agency consulted earlier this year on plans to publish such information. The response to the consultation indicated considerable support while also expressing concerns about security and confidentiality.

3.5 As the review points out, greater openness will be an important pre-condition for spectrum trading and will also help meet the transparency requirement set out in the EC Authorisation Directive and the Radio Spectrum Decision. Accordingly, the Radiocommunications Agency will proceed to consult on detailed plans to publish more assignment information, including on-line, while taking full account of the need for appropriate and effective safeguards.

3.6 The Government also agrees on the importance of consulting with industry on the interference levels that should be specified in licences and will take this forward in the course of the work mentioned in connection with recommendation 7.2 on removing unnecessary restrictions from licences.