450-470 MHz band alignment
450-470 MHz Band Alignment
A consultation document
December 2002
The Radiocommunications Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.
450-470 MHz band alignment
Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction and Background ..................................................................................... 4
2. Proposed Approach..................................................................................................... 8
3. Benefits......................................................................................................................... 9
4. Implications ................................................................................................................ 11
5. Responses.................................................................................................................. 13
Annex A: Draft Regulatory Impact Assessment ........................................................... 15
Annex B: Constraints of the Band Plan ......................................................................... 21
Annex C: Band Plan Rationale ....................................................................................... 22
Annex D: Consultation Criteria ....................................................................................... 24
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450-470 MHz band alignment
Executive Summary
This consultation document describes a spectrum re-planning project by which the Radiocommunications
Agency (RA) will manage the alignment of the 450-470 MHz band to the configuration quoted in the
European Common Allocations (ECA) Table.
The UK is at a disadvantage because its existing spectrum configuration cannot easily accommodate new
and readily available low-cost technology. This is a significant constraint on users and members of the radio
industry who wish to provide flexible private radiocommunications solutions within the UK.
The Agency has chosen this band since the Emergency Services users, which have a 6 MHz allocation in
the band, will be migrated to the Home Office-sponsored Airwave Project. Additionally, the radio propagation
characteristics of the band make it highly sought after for mobile radio systems since it provides coverage
ranges of up to about 30 km and some in-building penetration. It is also a band that has been identified
across Europe for digital services according to a common spectrum configuration plan.
Therefore, in order to maximise the benefit of this spectrum to the UK radio industry, RA is proposing to
complete alignment within five years. It plans to start in earnest at the end of 2005 and to complete the
process by 2010. However, on a case-by-case basis, alignment will be possible prior to this date.
RA notes that there will be technical and economic implications of carrying out band alignment. On the
technical side, there is an associated band plan showing how alignment will be achieved in a stepwise
process. This has gained majority acceptance within the project’s Industry Working Group. On the economic
side, RA has produced a draft Regulatory Impact Assessment, which assesses the costs and benefits of the
proposed approach. Where possible, estimates have been made using data from the band alignment survey
carried out last year. However, this is a working document and is available for consultation. Overall, RA will
seek to maximise the benefits and minimise the costs of band alignment over the five-year period.
RA, in keeping with its published strategy to align this spectrum, seeks views from the radio industry, users
and any other interested parties on the proposed alignment process outlined within this document.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
1.
Introduction and Background
1.1
Introduction
This consultation document describes the way in which the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) will
implement 450-470 MHz band alignment. RA’s plan includes the entire UK, including Northern Ireland, the
Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The radio spectrum is a finite resource, and it is a prime purpose of the
Agency to manage its use optimally. Aligning spectrum between 450 and 470 MHz will expand its social and
economic benefits and increase the efficiency of its use, allowing users to gain renewed benefit from
assignments in this band.
In some areas the demand for spectrum is growing and outstripping supply. Therefore there is a need to
make spectrum available for new and innovative services as well as to enhance existing services. The 450470 MHz band alignment project, when completed, will yield European-harmonised spectrum that can be
used for new and existing radio services. This band re-planning will involve moving existing users and
reassigning them in the band to achieve commonality with the 450-470 MHz band structure in Europe. The
aligned state is shown in Figure 1, with mobile transmit below 460 MHz and base transmit above 460 MHz.
The alignment process will transpose base-station and mobile blocks of spectrum and alter their spacing to
10 MHz.
460 MHz
450 MHz
Mobile transmit
470 MHz
Base transmit
10 MHz separation
Figure 1. Template for alignment of 450-470 MHz
1.2
What are we consulting on?
Views from customers, dealers, manufacturers, radio site owners and other interested parties are sought on
the implications of the 450-470 MHz band alignment process described here. The alignment is based on the
spectrum configuration defined in CEPT 1 Recommendation T/R 25-08 Annex 1, which is referenced in the
European Common Allocations (ECA) Table (ERC2 Report 253). This process is presented from both
technical and economic viewpoints.
1.3
Background
RA intends to align the current 450-470 MHz band configuration with that of our European neighbours. The
requirement for the UK to commit itself to this project arises from historical differences between the UK and
Europe in their planning of this band. One of these differences has caused radio services in the UK to
experience interference from Continental radio systems, particularly analogue cellular systems.
A 1991 report commissioned by RA recommended reversal of the base and mobile transmit frequencies in
the band, to conform to neighbouring European countries. This would allow RA to co-ordinate frequency use
and hence control interference. Further independent support was provided through the 1994 Stage 3 Radio
Spectrum Review, endorsed by the Government. Within the CEPT administrations, the second-phase
Detailed Spectrum Investigation (DSI Phase 2) concerning use of this spectrum resulted in a European
Radiocommunications Committee Report (ERC Report 25, or the ECA Table), which detailed the
recommended configuration and major utilisation of each band.
The first major technical step of the alignment process requires an UK band plan that complies with the
spectrum configuration template quoted in the ECA Table (CEPT Recommendation T/R 25-08 Annex 1).
CEPT – the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations.
ERC – the European Radiocommunications Committee.
3
ERC Report 25 – ‘The European Table of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations Covering the Frequency Range 9 kHz to 275 GHz’,
commonly known as the ECA Table.
1
2
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450-470 MHz band alignment
Another of the DSI Phase 2 recommendations was that the analogue cellular systems should be closed
down. This has happened, but the spectrum is likely to be repopulated in time with other systems. The UK
has no direct control over the kind of system that might be accommodated elsewhere in Europe in this band,
and in the current band configuration it therefore remains vulnerable to renewed interference.
In the UK, the 450-470 MHz band consists of blocks of spectrum allocated to a variety of uses:







Private Mobile Radio (PMR);
Public Mobile Data operators, supported on dedicated channels within the general PMR allocations;
Scanning Telemetry (ST), used by the water, gas and electricity industries for data acquisition and
control at remote sites;
Emergency Services (ES), also known as Public Safety;
Private Wide-Area Paging (WAP);
Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE); and
Maritime On-Board, for use in coastal areas and navigable waterways.
The arrangement of these frequencies is normally in pairs – base and mobile transmit. However, the spacing
between these pairs is not constant throughout the band. Also, the base-transmit and mobile-transmit
frequencies are reversed relative to their European counterparts. In the new plan there will be base-transmit
frequencies above 460 MHz and mobile-transmit frequencies below, with a common 10 MHz spacing
between the pair (Figure 1).
1.4
Key drivers
There are several key drivers for the 450-470 MHz band alignment project. These are:
1.4.1
Major benefits to the UK. Providing spectrum to facilitate advances in technology will ensure the
continued success of the PMR market. The consequent advantages of large-scale manufacture will
benefit users and industry. This should reduce the cost of new digital technology, and result in lower
prices and a wider choice of systems. These systems will have increased functionality and allow
direct connection to IT equipment and new opportunities in e-business.
1.4.2
Better use of spectrum. Re-planning the band will allow existing systems to develop and grow, and
will make it easier to introduce new equipment in the European configuration. For instance, the
existing band structure constrains the introduction of new digital technology – including TETRA4,
TETRAPOL5 and DIIS6 – for private systems. In fact the band is one of four identified in the
ERC/DEC/(96)04 decision for the use of TETRA, which requires spectrum in the correct
configuration.
1.4.3
Yield of harmonised spectrum. Existing assignments (i.e. channel allocations) will be more
efficiently reassigned through the use of a new planning tool, which will repack existing users to
occupy less spectrum overall and yet retain existing quality. This will yield harmonised spectrum
estimated to be between 2 and 3 MHz.
1.4.4
Spectrum for Public Safety services. As a result of the Major Review of Police and Fire
Communications (1991-1993), the PSRCP7 emerged. In initiating the PSRCP, the UK Government
highlighted the need to start the 450-470 MHz band alignment process. In planning for Emergency
Services systems, it is becoming increasingly important that additional CEPT-compliant spectrum for
Public Safety users is made available in the near future. Spectrum within the aligned 450-470 MHz
band could accommodate this requirement.
1.4.5
Consolidation of military spectrum. There is an interdependency between the release of military
spectrum for civil use and the increasing interest by the military in the use of commercial off-the-shelf
(COTS) technology. This requires aligned spectrum. Hence, early release of this military spectrum
will be facilitated by band alignment.
1.4.6
Interference from neighbouring European countries. Interference is suffered by many licensees
in southern and eastern England – particularly in the summer, when UHF propagation is enhanced
due to high atmospheric pressure. Under these conditions. systems (some of which are safetycritical) can be severely degraded or even rendered unusable. Alignment to the ECA Table will mean
that the UK can co-ordinate its use of radio channels with Europe (e.g. via the principles and
TETRA – TErrestrial Trunked RAdio; the ETSI digital trunked radio standard.
TETRAPOL – a proprietary digital trunked radio standard.
6
DIIS – Digital Information Interchange System; an ETSI non-trunked radio standard (not yet finished).
7
PSRCP – Public Safety RadioCommunications Project.
4
5
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450-470 MHz band alignment
procedures contained in the Berlin Agreement 20018) and mitigate the effects of any future
interference caused by the introduction of new systems on the Continent.
1.4.7
Lack of commonly configured pan-European spectrum in the bands used by PMR. In evidence
submitted to DSI Phase 2 by the European PMR industry body EICTA 9 (part of what was then called
ECTEL), this was shown as a major obstacle in the development of this sector of the
communications market. A 1998 report by the European Radiocommunications Office concluded
similarly.
1.4.8
RA’s published Spectrum Strategy. There is an industry-wide expectation that this band will be
aligned, and some progressive organisations will have already begun their long-term planning. In
fact, RA has for a number of years indicated its specific intention to implement the band alignment
process. The first band to undergo this process is 450-470 MHz, because of the window of
opportunity that will open when the police vacate their current spectrum and migrate out of the band.
This spectrum yield can be used as a catalyst for alignment. The alignment intention was reflected in
the Government Response to the Stage 3 Radio Spectrum Review (1994), and has for the past two
years been notified to all affected licensees in the band.
1.5
Why is band alignment happening now?
A major opportunity is presented by the migration of Public Safety users to the Home Office-sponsored
Airwave Project. Airwave is a new network specifically for Public Safety users, which employs digital
technology in the 380-400 MHz band. Band alignment will be facilitated when 2 x 3 MHz of spectrum in 450470 MHz is relinquished in England and Wales, with a phased two-stage hand-back based on Airwave
Ready For Service dates plus an additional transition period of 18 months. The second stage is due to
complete in 2006.
In Scotland, police forces are also joining the Airwave Project, but the timescales for relinquishing the
spectrum in the 450-470 MHz band are currently a year behind England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, a
separate digital system in the 380-400 MHz band will meet the needs of all Emergency Services. This is
scheduled to be operational before the migration of mainland police forces. A similar situation exists on the
Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
Completion of migration by these services provides a unique window of opportunity to initiate band
alignment. It provides an opportunity to align existing services in the band and to boost the introduction of
new digital technology, allowing at the same time a fresh examination of the communication needs of the
band’s users. This will improve the efficiency of the spectrum’s use, and may be a preliminary to the
introduction of spectrum trading, subject to consultation.
The 450-470 MHz spectrum in the Republic of Ireland (over which RA has no jurisdiction) is configured
similarly to the UK, with the same duplex spacing and orientation of base transmit/receive, so any change
made to the UK band will have consequences for the Republic. RA is therefore in close dialogue with its Irish
counterpart. As can be seen from Figure 2, all our near European neighbours already comply with the
recommendation or are working towards it.
8
The Agreement ratified on 30 June 2000, known as the Vienna Agreement, was revised and ratified on 14 Sept 2001. It is now known
unofficially as the Berlin Agreement and covers frequency co-ordination in the fixed and land mobile service in 29.7 MHz-39.5 GHz
9
EICTA – European Information, Communications and Consumer Electronics Industry Technology Association.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
Implemented (23)
Figure 2. Implementation of ERC Recommendation T/R 25-08
1.6
Risks of not re-planning the band
The risks of not aligning the 450-470 MHz band are:
 in the future, there may be an increase in demand for spectrum (to expand existing radio services or to
provide new services) which could exceed supply, delaying or hindering the development of such
services;
 some radio users in the band may continue to experience Continental interference;
 current spectrum may be used inefficiently;
 existing users or new users wanting to provide radio services to customers in both the UK and Europe will
not be able to operate on the same frequencies as in Europe, as the band will not be harmonised;
 Release of military spectrum for civil use will be hindered, as the current spectrum configuration will not
support non-operational military requirements.
1.7
Statutory consultation
In accordance with the provisions of the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act, RA will publish notices in the
London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes detailing the substance of the proposed alignment project. Shorter
notices will be posted in the equivalent publications in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is also
intended to place copies of these notices on the RA website. In addition, this consultation document will be
published on the RA website, on the UK Online register of consultations and in hard copy.
1.8
Regulatory Impact Assessment
RA is required to complete and publish a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) before any changes are
made to the 450-470 MHz band. A draft initial RIA is attached to this document (Annex A) and will be
developed in the light of responses to this consultation. Comments on the draft RIA are therefore particularly
welcome.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
2.
Proposed Approach
2.1
Proposed approach
RA proposes to start a managed alignment process in 2005, although some alignment will take place prior to
this date where opportunities allow. The aim is to complete the process within five years. In managing the
process, RA will continue to plan in partnership with the radio industry. To this end, RA continues to engage
industry and customers in dialogue about band alignment through regional customer focus panels, the
Mobile Services Committee (MSC) and the Industry Working Group of the 450-470 MHz Band Alignment
Project (IWG), as well as through mail- and web-based publicity.
2.2
Proposed band plan and migration
It is possible to arrive at a band plan for the alignment process that complies with the CEPT
Recommendation, by considering a phased transition process. This is based on moving spectrum blocks
within the band over time into vacant spectrum slots to achieve the desired configuration, stimulated by the
migration of Public Safety users out of the band. However, it is subject to a number of constraints (to do with
existing services in and adjacent to the band, and also the technical characteristics of current equipment),
which dictate where and when spectrum blocks can be moved. The constraints are described in Annex B;
the transition process, endorsed by a majority of IWG representatives, is described fully in Annex C.
2.3
IT solution
RA, in collaboration with its IT strategic partner Radio Spectrum International (RSI), is in the process of
developing a software tool that will allow re-planning of the band to the most efficient configuration. This tool
will be capable of combining licence-related information from RA’s databases with data taken from external
frequency managers. Using advanced graphical functionality, the tool can visually move channel
assignments in conformance to the CEPT plan. This system will also automate and verify the process of
propagation modelling and interference analysis, to ensure accurate alignment and optimum use of the
band. The feasibility of the software tool has been researched, and the first release of this application took
place in August 2002. The full development of the application will be completed by June 2003 and it is
expected that users will be notified of new assignments from summer 2003.
2.4
Practical experience
RA is able to draw upon the experience of a previous band re-planning project, which took place in the
1980s. Implementation of major frequency changes to police and fire services, resulting from changes
agreed in the World Administrative Radio Conference 1979, was managed at this time by the Home Office
Directorate of Telecommunications (DTels); this project was very similar to the current intention to align the
450-470 MHz band. The successful implementation of the DTels project relied upon precise project planning
and accurate assignment data – RA is confident that, by following the same basic principles, the 450470 MHz project will be equally successful. Some of the key points that RA will consider are:

users will be consulted and involved at each stage of planning and implementation;

accurate radio site engineering data (especially for the more complex sites) will need to be gathered,
such as assessments of:
the spare capacity on masts/towers;
the space in equipment rooms;
the radio assignments at sites;
the likely EMC issues, blocking, desensitisation and the generation of intermodulation products;
the likely access problems if the site is remote, and the location of key holders;
the amount of recabling necessary; and
the standard of lightning protection.
All this site information will be documented in a ‘constraints database’, which will form part of RA’s
band alignment IT system; and

the alignment scenario planning will go through several iterations before the most stable
configuration can be agreed upon.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
3.
Benefits
3.1
Benefits of this approach
3.1.1
Spectrum efficiency

By reassigning existing users into aligned spectrum, the overall result will be improved spectrum
efficiency, reduced congestion and a yield of aligned spectrum.

In the long term, there is a risk that the demand for spectrum in the band may outstrip supply unless
there is an organised structure to the band (i.e. through band alignment).

There is a view within the European PMR industry that the lack of available harmonised spectrum is
the principal constraint to the development of this sector. The removal of this regulatory barrier will
allow existing and new users of the band to have a wider choice of systems and to benefit from lower
prices of new technology, as manufacturers gains from economies of scale.

Band alignment will create band stability for new and existing assignments into the future.
3.1.2
New technology and services

The release of harmonised spectrum can be used to introduce new equipment, improve the quality of
existing services and allow existing users to expand their radio service. Any new equipment used in
the band will need to comply with relevant UK Interface Requirements (IRs), e.g. IR2001 for PMR
equipment. Examples of digital technologies presently or soon to be available are TETRA,
TETRAPOL and DIIS.

Providing spectrum to facilitate advances in technology will allow increased access to the spectrum,
and so allow natural development of the radio business sectors occupying the band. Those that
would like to use TETRA or other digital technologies will benefit from extra functionality – allowing
expansion of existing services or provision of new radio services – in addition to efficiencies and a
more flexible band plan due to advancement of technology.

RA seeks to remove the ‘UK only’ market at the earliest possible time. This should reduce equipment
costs by achieving economies of scale in manufacture, thus assisting the introduction of new digital
equipment.

The UK is actively contributing to CEPT Project Team FM38, which is tasked with developing a
strategic view on the future use of PMR throughout Europe. While it is expected that some PMR
users will continue to operate cost-effective analogue systems, it is recognised that there is a market
requirement for more sophisticated PMR services, which can be satisfied by digital technologies.
Accordingly, it is expected that analogue users will, given the choice, migrate to digital PMR/PAMR
systems as analogue systems become more expensive to maintain and operate (due to equipment
shortages and increasing operational expense). This migration from analogue to digital narrowband
systems will be followed in an evolutionary step to the deployment of wideband systems offering
modern high-speed data services.
3.1.3
Public Safety services

There is an increasing digital communications requirement from the Public Safety services and
commercial users, which requires aligned spectrum.

Current tendering processes by the fire and ambulance services may create a need for new
‘guaranteed access’ bands for Public Safety services. Should this happen, part of the spectrum yield
from the alignment process may be required to satisfy this need.

There will be a release of spectrum when Public Safety users migrate out of the band, which will
stimulate the alignment process. Such an opportunity to align the band is unlikely to be repeated in
the foreseeable future.
3.1.4
Prevention of Continental interference

Band alignment will offer protection against long-term interference within the band in the shortest
possible timescale.

If the band is harmonised throughout Europe, this will allow effective co-ordination of assignments
(e.g. via the Berlin Agreement 2001) and reduce vulnerability to Continental interference in the south
and east of England.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
3.1.5
Alignment process management

Implementation will be carefully controlled and co-ordinated by RA. This will enable RA and industry
to plan the alignment’s implementation on an integrated rollout plan, removing uncertainty
concerning the future of the band. RA has developed technical tools to aid this process.

An RA-managed process will assist the early introduction of digital technology in a structured
manner.

Implementation will be co-ordinated so that assignments change with reference to each other; this
will make the process easier, especially for those sharing sites or within interference range of other
sites.

RA proposes to reduce the band alignment’s operational impact and minimise disruption by working
to an implementation plan. This will involve selectively closing the band to new assignments and
completing the alignment process over the shortest possible timescale. RA will notify existing
licensees of their new assignments as soon as possible (estimated to be from summer 2003).
3.1.6

Potential benefits of harmonised spectrum
RA has for a number of years stated its strategic intention, through the consultative process, to align
the band. Some organisations have already planned accordingly. Subject to consultation and
whatever general arrangements apply at the time, spectrum trading could provide some scope for
licensees to sell their licences to others. It is possible that online Internet assignments could be
made in CEPT-aligned spectrum and sold by their licensees to others.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
4.
Implications
4.1
Band alignment survey
To assess the effects of band alignment, RA carried out a customer survey in October 2001. All affected
licensees in the band were surveyed, to obtain technical and economic information about their current radio
use. Questions covered subjects including the extent to which licensees’ existing equipment could be
modified to meet the CEPT Recommendation, consistent with the proposed new band plan (given in Annex
C). The results indicated that approximately 65% of equipment currently in the band can be modified to
operate on the new configuration. Economic information from the survey has been used to produce a draft
Regulatory Impact Assessment (Annex A); respondents to this consultation are encouraged to provide
evidence on costs and benefits if possible.
4.2
Who will be affected?
The 450-470 MHz band alignment project affects licensees, equipment manufacturers, equipment suppliers,
site owners and ultimately end consumers. Examples of the types of uses affected are taxis, broadcasting,
medical, retail, transport, construction, education, banking, security, utilities, government and leisure.
There are around 25,000 PMR licences in the band, and two national Public Mobile Data operators (having
over 60,000 subscribers between them, with numbers currently growing rapidly. RA has a good working
relationship with these customers and is actively assisting them in their preparations for alignment.
Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) and Scanning Telemetry (ST) users have management
companies that make assignments on behalf of RA; there are around 470 ST customers and 410 PMSE
customers in the band, with each customer having at least one assignment. Table 1 breaks down the
customer survey responses by type of use of the band.
Type of use
On-Site Private Mobile Radio
Public Paging
Wide-Area Private Mobile Radio10
Private Wide-Area Paging
Telemetry
Programme Making
Percentage of total respondents
70
0
22
3
1
4
Source: Band Alignment Survey 2001
Table 1: Breakdown of survey responses by type of use in the 450-470 MHz band
There are 28 ‘large’ users (defined as those with over 250 mobiles) in the 450-470 MHz band, including the
Public Mobile Data operators, which each have more than 250 mobiles on their systems. For large users,
band alignment will represent a significant re-engineering effort. RA has already established close working
relationships with some of them, and is actively helping them to assess the alignment’s effect on their
operations and to identify an appropriate engineering solution. RA will also contact the remaining large users
with a view to offering engineering assistance.
Within the band there is a 1 MHz block (458.5-459.5 MHz) used for a number of applications by, among
others, Short Range Devices (SRD). SRDs are licence-exempt, so it is not considered feasible to move this
block over the timescale of the band alignment project; as a result, all changes will occur around this block.
4.3
Effects on industry
Carrying out the project in the shortest possible time will entail a cost to industry. In particular, licensees may
need to buy new, updated equipment before they had planned to, so will experience accelerated
depreciation of their equipment. Site operators will have to revise site-engineering formats.
Although this approach will mean short-term costs for some organisations, there is considered to be a wider
benefit for the radio industry. Band alignment will ultimately enable the spectrum to realise its full potential
and value. By choosing a short timescale, RA is trying to minimise business disruption to users, while
promoting confidence in the commercial use of the band. However, given the notification period of five years
and a further five-year implementation period, it is expected that industry and radio users will fund the cost of
alignment to the CEPT Recommendation or seek alternative communications solutions.
10
Includes the responses from both Public Mobile Data operators.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
4.4
What will band alignment mean for the licensee?
Band alignment will mean that licensees will be given new frequency assignments, in the 450-470 MHz
band, on which to operate. Some new assignments may be in the 440-450 MHz band. Equipment will need
to be retuned (possibly including hardware modification) or replaced in order to operate on the new
frequencies. Possible changes to equipment include modification of base/mobile radio transceivers, change
of base-station site equipment (e.g. filters, antennas, combiners and duplexers) and recall of mobile
fleet/hand portables for reprogramming.
Where analogue equipment needs to be replaced, radio users may have the opportunity to purchase digital
equipment. Such equipment may provide users with additional functionality, enabling them to expand their
business or provide a new service.
Scheduling any of the changes to equipment, within tolerable levels of disruption, will be an important
consideration. For some radio users there may be a time frame that could make the change to a new
frequency more feasible. For example, if the radio service is only in operation during the week, alignment
could take place at the weekend; alternatively, alignment could be co-ordinated when the radio service is out
of action for routine maintenance. It is conceivable that some users could change frequency remotely ‘over
the air’. However, RA notes that this will not be possible for all users, as national networks and other
essential radio services need to be in operation on a 24-hour basis. In these circumstances, RA will offer
advice to individuals and companies in providing solutions to these difficulties. It is RA’s responsibility to
manage the interference environment during alignment transitions; RA will therefore enforce a strict
implementation plan, working in partnership with radio site engineers and users.
4.5
What will band alignment mean for everyone else?
Radio suppliers and dealers will play a key part in the alignment process, as they will need to be prepared to
plan appropriate solutions for their customers’ radio systems. For most users, it is unlikely that manufacturers
will need to produce specific equipment as a direct result of alignment. However, alignment provides an
opportunity to introduce pan-European equipment. Through a centrally managed process, site managers
(who also have a key role to play in the process) will need to co-ordinate the retuning or replacement of base
stations with their customers and with other users on the same site and nearby sites. All those involved will
be given time to plan their changeover, in terms of when they should align or whether they wish to use an
alternative band or find an alternative solution (such as short-term hire or GSM).
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450-470 MHz band alignment
5.
Responses
5.1
Responses to the consultation – some questions
In response to the consultation document, particular attention is drawn to the following questions.
1
In considering the band plan given in Annex C (in particular, the frequency you are currently
operating on and the frequency you will have to move to), what issues would you face as a result of
band alignment? The following points might assist your thinking:
the down time of your radio system during the alignment changeover period;
the availability of technicians to carry out the required changes to your system;
the availability of equipment (for short-term hire, new equipment etc);
health and safety/contractual issues; and
alternative solutions (GSM, DECT etc).
2
As a site owner, dealer or manufacturer, what issues do you anticipate regarding band alignment?
3
Do you have any comments on the Regulatory Impact Assessment in Annex A?
4
Further areas you might like to consider in your response are contained in the questions that were
recently posed to users in this band – see
www.radio.gov.uk/topics/spectrum-strat/450-470-realign/question/question.htm.
5.2
Dates and addresses for responses
We welcome your responses to the issues raised in the consultation document and request that responses
to this consultation should be sent, to arrive no later than 24 March 2003, to the following address:
Band Alignment Project Team
Radiocommunications Agency
11G/6D
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Email: band.realignment@ra.gsi.gov.uk
Any comments or complaints about the conduct of this consultation should be addressed to:
Julia Fraser
Information and Publicity Manager
Radiocommunications Agency
9Y/14B
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Email: julia.fraser@ra.gsi.gov.uk
5.3
Notes to respondents
Respondents to this consultation should note that, in the interest of open government:

unless confidentiality is expressly requested, individual responses will be placed in the public domain
in printed and electronic form, together with the names and contact details of the authors.
Respondents are requested to make it very clear if they wish to keep some or all of their response
confidential and are advised to separate any confidential material into a clearly marked annex;

unconditional permission to publish responses will be assumed unless the author expressly states
otherwise;

any copyright attached to the responses will be assumed to have been relinquished unless it is
expressly reserved; and

the provision of the Data Protection Act 1998 will apply to information in electronic form.
Responses from representative groups should be accompanied by a summary of the people and
organisations they represent.
Page 13 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
It would be helpful if lengthy written documents could be supplied on disk or by email (preferably in Word 97
format). Further copies of this consultation can be obtained by contacting:
Information and Library Service
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Tel: 020 7211 0502/0505
Email: library@ra.gsi.gov.uk
or may be downloaded from the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk
Page 14 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
Annex A: Draft Regulatory Impact Assessment
1.
TITLE
Alignment of the 450-470 MHz Band
2.
PURPOSE AND INTENDED EFFECT
2(i)
Issue and objective
The radio spectrum is a scarce resource, and for some radio services there is a growing demand. Therefore
there is a need to ensure that spectrum is used efficiently to meet current and future demand. To meet this
main objective, RA intends to re-plan the 450-470 MHz band over a period of five years. Services operating
in this band in the UK do not currently operate on the same channel plan as in Europe. This is because the
base-transmit (mobile-receive) and the mobile-transmit (base-receive) frequencies are the opposite of those
found in mainland Europe. RA proposes to re-plan the spectrum in line with Europe for the following reasons:

to harmonise allocations in accordance with Europe;

to reduce the cost of introducing digital equipment. Equipment providers would gain economies of
scale in equipment, due to commonality on a European scale;

to release spectrum by re-planning the band in an efficient manner. Such spectrum could allow
existing systems to develop and grow, and could make it technically easier to introduce new
equipment. Further spectrum may be released if users migrate to digital equipment;

to reduce long-term interference from mainland Europe suffered by radio users in this band;

because the Emergency Services may require harmonised spectrum; and

to facilitate the consolidation of military spectrum.
The timing of re-planning the 450-470 MHz band has become pertinent due to the migration of police
services in England and Wales out of this band, which will be completed in 2006, and the subsequent
migration of Scottish Police services approximately one year later. This migration gives RA an opportunity in
the form of a free block of spectrum that could be used to re-plan the 450-470 MHz band. The result could be
the release of extra spectrum from re-packing existing users into harmonised spectrum.
2(ii)
Risk assessment
Risks of not re-planning the band:

In the future, there may be an increase in demand for spectrum, to expand existing radio services or
to provide new services, which could exceed supply. This could delay or hinder the development of
such services.

Some radio users in the band may continue to experience Continental interference.

Current spectrum may be used inefficiently (although more efficient technology could be introduced).

Existing users or new users wanting to provide radio services to UK customers and Europe will not
be able to operate on the same frequencies as in Europe, as the band will not be harmonised.

Release of military spectrum for civil use may be hindered, as the current spectrum configuration
does not support non-operational military requirements.
Risks associated with re-planning the band:

In the transition period, failure to co-ordinate between users moving to new frequencies may result in
interference to each other and to other radio users. A risk is that users will not move according to the
new band plan.

During the transition period, some users may require parallel running. There is a risk that equipment
will not be available, or available on time, to operate on old and new frequencies.

The increase in costs incurred by existing radio users from moving to new frequencies (e.g. the
increase in cost of shared sites) may have been underestimated. Uncertainty may cause users to
move to more costly systems in order to meet their business needs.

In the transition period, additional spectrum may be required either for parallel running or as guard
bands, to move current radio users to new frequencies.
Page 15 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment

The Home Office may be delayed in migrating to its new digital system, hence delaying
implementation of the new band plan.
3.
BENEFITS
3(i)
Identifying the benefits
The potential benefits of band alignment are:

Release of spectrum by re-packing existing users into the band more efficiently. This will allow the
introduction of new services, or the expansion of current radio services. In the band alignment
survey, around one respondent in ten reported improved access to European customers, an
increase in the UK customer base, and the ability to enter a new product or service market as
potential benefits.

A potential opportunity to introduce spectrum trading in harmonised spectrum.

Radio users will have a wider choice of systems and may benefit from lower prices of digital
equipment.

Providers of radio services may be able to acquire additional UK customers. With new equipment
allowed to be introduced, possibly with extra functionality, users may be able to increase the quality
of existing services and gain more customers. In the band alignment survey, over half of those who
reported that they would benefit anticipated an increase in the quality of service that their business
would provide. Further, one in five of the PMR respondents wanted the ability to send text, 17% the
ability to send data and one in ten wanted roaming to a public network 11.

An opportunity to rationalise certain military systems, with subsequent release of spectrum in civil
PMR bands.
4.
COMPLIANCE COSTS
4(i)
Business sectors affected
Radio is used by businesses and public organisations of all sizes, throughout the economy. The alignment of
the 450-470 MHz band will affect all licensees in the band. In particular, the following types of radio users will
be affected:






Programme Making and Special Events;
On-Site Private Mobile Radio;
Wide-Area Private Mobile Radio;
Telemetry;
Private Wide-Area Paging; and
Public Mobile Data operators
These types of users use radio for a wide variety of business and public activities such as taxis,
broadcasting, medical, retail, transport, construction, education, banking, security, utilities, government and
leisure. In the band alignment survey carried out last year, most respondents were in the public services,
education and health sectors. Furthermore, there are 28 large users (i.e. those with over 250 mobiles) in the
450-470 MHz band. In the band alignment survey, around 40% of the respondents had up to nine mobiles.
4(ii)
Identifying costs
The potential costs of alignment are likely to be incurred by existing radio users. These costs are likely to be:

Loss of residual value of current equipment. Where current equipment cannot be retuned, users will
need to purchase new equipment so may experience accelerated depreciation.

Cost of retuning existing equipment (if possible). Around 65% of the respondents to the band
alignment survey said that their existing equipment was retuneable.

Loss of revenue to radio users from their radio service being out of action with no substitute
available.

Cost of employing more staff to retune or replace all equipment.

Cost of migrating to an alternative service or band.
11
Private Wide-Area Paging users generally preferred greater coverage and roaming to a public network. Wide-Area PMR users were
more likely to see the ability to send data as a useful additional function.
Page 16 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
5.
COMPETITION ASSESSMENT
Various types of public organisations and private individuals/companies use radio to provide a service, so
competition in a range of product and service markets is likely to be affected. For example, in the upstream
market this may be in the supply of equipment, possibly on a European level if equipment becomes
harmonised. Examples of downstream markets that may be affected include the provision of taxi services or
security services. These markets are likely to compete on a local, regional and national level.
Band alignment is likely to affect some firms more than others. For example, a company that purchased
equipment relatively recently is likely to incur larger equipment-related costs (i.e. early depreciation) than a
company planning to update its system soon after 2005 anyway. Consequently, band alignment is likely to
affect the market structure in many markets. The costs of band alignment to current radio users may make it
difficult for some companies to compete, particularly if their competitors are not faced with these additional
costs. As a result, some companies may have to exit the market, leading to less choice and higher prices to
end consumers.
On the other hand, band alignment may have a positive impact on competition. Existing users may be able to
upgrade to digital systems, improving the quality of service to end customers. Such users may also benefit
from being able to purchase lower-cost digital equipment. The release of spectrum also provides scope to
expand or introduce new radio services. This will have the benefit of increasing choice and lowering prices to
end customers.
6.
CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS
In December 2001, RA carried out a survey, obtaining economic and technical data to assess the replanning of the 450-470 MHz band. Questionnaires were sent to all 9,238 customers that will be affected by
band alignment. The results from this questionnaire have been used to produce this Regulatory Impact
Assessment.
7.
ENFORCEMENT, SANCTIONS, MONITORING AND REVIEW
When band alignment is implemented, RA will have to monitor the users moving to new frequencies. During
the process of migration, RA will need to ensure that users are protected from interference and that they
move out within the specified time frame.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
Appendix 1: Quantifying the Costs and Benefits of the 450-470 MHz Band Alignment
This appendix provides an estimate of the potential costs and benefits.
1.
Quantifying the Costs
In calculating the costs of alignment, the following assumptions have been made:

Any equipment that is not retuneable will need to be replaced. Therefore, costs will be incurred by
users whose equipment will not operate on the new frequencies and will expire after 2010.

Between 2005 and 2010, costs may be incurred by users whose equipment expires early because
they are required to operate on new frequencies when it is technically feasible (according to the new
band plan). This may mean that users cannot move when it is economically viable, namely at the
end of their equipment’s lifetime.

Equipment that is retuneable will incur retuning costs.

Most users will incur their equipment costs in a single year. Users with a large number of terminals
may incur equipment costs over several years; however, the band alignment survey found that over
40% of respondents had up to nine handheld or vehicle-mounted terminals, suggesting only a small
number of large users.
The potential costs of band alignment have yet to be estimated using the format outlined in Table 2 below.
2.
Quantifying the Benefits
The most significant benefit from band alignment will be the release of harmonised spectrum. This spectrum
may benefit many companies and individuals. The benefit to the UK economy from releasing this spectrum
has been calculated using RA’s Economic Impact Study 2001 12. This study calculated the net benefits of
different types of radio services, including Private Mobile Radio (PMR).
Large firms, small companies and public organisations use PMR to help them in their day-to-day business.
The principal beneficiaries are the users, and therefore the largest benefits accrue in the form of consumer
benefits. Consumer benefits (consumer surplus) accrue if the price users are willing to pay for a good or
service exceeds the price they actually pay.
In the Economic Impact Study, the consumer benefits of using PMR were estimated by commissioning a
survey to determine the willingness to pay for PMR. The total net benefit of Private Mobile Radio was
estimated to be £1,051 million in 2000. The spectrum available to PMR was estimated to be 39 MHz 13.
Dividing £1,051 million by 39 MHz of spectrum provides an estimate of the annual average benefit to the UK
economy from using PMR per MHz of spectrum. This figure was calculated to be £26.9 million per MHz per
year at 2000 prices. This is £27.5 million per MHz at 2002 prices 14. However, this value assumes that all
39 MHz of PMR spectrum is congested and of equal value.
The migration of the Emergency Services from the 450-470 MHz band will free up around 6 MHz of
spectrum. If this spectrum is used for PMR, assuming that PMR is the best use of spectrum, then 6 MHz of
spectrum could benefit the UK economy by £165 million per year. This benefit could be achieved regardless
of band alignment. See Table 1 below.
Band alignment will release additional spectrum by re-packing existing users into the band more efficiently. It
is estimated that an additional 2-3 MHz of spectrum may be released. It is assumed that this additional
spectrum will be released in 2011, as band alignment will have completed by the end of 2010. Therefore, the
one-off benefit of releasing 2-3 MHz spectrum in 2011 is estimated to be in the range of £55 million to
£82 million in today’s prices. See Table 1 below.
12
Available at www.radio.gov.uk/topics/economic/eis-report.pdf
Source: Land Mobile Statistics Report 2002, published by RA. The calculation consisted of
{(Total number of dual-frequency channels x 2) + Total number of single-frequency channels} x 12,500 = 39MHz
14
Inflated using GDP deflators. Source: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/Economic_Data_and_Tools/GDP_Deflators/data_gdp_fig.cfm
13
Page 18 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
Quantity of
Spectrum (MHz)
Value
(£ million)
Effect
6
165
Migration of Emergency Services from the 450-470 MHz band,
regardless of band alignment
2-3
55-82
Benefit from re-planning the 450-470 MHz band
Table 1: Benefits of releasing spectrum
However, the benefits of band alignment are likely to be higher due to the following additional benefits:




benefits of cheaper equipment to users in the realigned 12 MHz spectrum;
incremental benefits of moving 6 MHz of spectrum (as either contiguous or fragmented spectrum,
and the range of services which could be permitted);
benefits of enhanced services from the use of digital equipment in the realigned 17-18 MHz of
spectrum; and
benefits of reduced Continental interference.
Page 19 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
Type of user
On-Site
Private
Mobile
Radio
Private
Paging
Wide-Area
Private
Mobile
Radio
Programme
Making and
Special
Events
Telemetry
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Number of licences
Number of users
Costs
Loss of residual value of
equipment
Cost of retuning equipment
Loss of revenue from radio
service out of action
Increase in staff costs
Other costs
Total costs
Benefits
Increase in revenue from
access to European market
Increase in revenue from
more UK customers
Value of released spectrum
Total benefits
Total net benefits
Table 2: Costs and benefits of band alignment over a five-year period
Actual cost-benefit analysis is currently being carried out. Some users, particularly large users, are likely to
incur different costs and benefits, and these will be taken into account. Respondents to the consultation are
invited to comment on the Regulatory Impact Assessment, and are encouraged to provide data where
possible.
Page 20 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
Annex B: Constraints of the Band Plan
It is possible to construct a phased transition process to arrive at a band plan for the aligned spectrum. This
is based on moving spectrum blocks to achieve the desired configuration; however, it is subject to a number
of constraints which dictate where spectrum blocks can be moved to. This band plan has met with almost
unanimous agreement within the Industry Working Group (IWG) as a way in which alignment could be taken
forward.
Constraints
Emergency Service migration
Migration of the Emergency Services to their new system will leave two 3 MHz holes in the spectrum at 14
MHz duplex. Effecting a single move of base and mobile frequencies within the band is considered to be the
least disruptive way of achieving alignment. It is possible to move both legs into vacant spectrum, but this
limits the moves that are possible to achieve an aligned plan.
Base-mobile crossover
The transition between the base-receive and base-transmit frequencies occurs in the middle of the band at
460 MHz. This is the most sensitive part of the band, with the possibility of base receivers just below
460 MHz being adversely affected by transmitters placed just above 460 MHz. It will be necessary to
consider very carefully how the spectrum in this area is allocated.
Television channel 21
Another consideration when planning the upper end of the band is the presence of television channel 21.
The terrestrial television spectrum immediately above the band is divided into 8 MHz channels, the first of
which (470-478 MHz) is denoted channel 21. This lowest channel only came into widespread use with the
start of Channel 4. Studies conducted in the early 1970s showed that there was a compatibility problem
between narrowband base stations (e.g. 12.5 kHz PMR bases) and domestic reception of television signals
on this channel if the narrowband bases were close geographically to the television receiver and they
operated above about 466 MHz.
When the current plan for 450-470 MHz was devised, it was not known where channel 21 television
transmitters would be located, so 467-470 MHz was kept clear of base transmitters. In the new plan, base
transmitters are to be placed above 460 MHz, so the constraint is to avoid interference to domestic television
reception on channel 21.
The locations of analogue television transmitters and the first phase of digital transmitters on channel 21 are
now known. It is possible, therefore, for newly planned base transmitters above 466 MHz to be co-ordinated
with the television service. This will mean that users of bands above 466 MHz may have geographical
limitations on use of their spectrum. Digital television receivers are known to be less sensitive to out-of-band
interference, but new digital transmitters are likely to be introduced as analogue switchover approaches. The
pattern of restrictions is therefore likely to be a moving target, and further research is required in this area.
Flexibility of the band plan
As implementation of the band alignment is scheduled to begin in 2005, the greatest difficulty is predicting
the technological market share that will have arisen by then. To cope with this uncertainty, RA has attempted
to design a technology-neutral plan that does not specify whether the technology will be analogue or digital,
proprietary or open standard. Instead we have opted for a co-existence mask. This is a compromise between
waiting to see what technology prevails in five years (an option which would not leave enough time for proper
planning) and mandating current technology (which would run the risk of not being forward-thinking enough
nor able to introduce the then current market-favourite technologies).
The use of CDMA has been discounted by the IWG, which felt that the technology would not be suited to the
use currently existing in the band. Instead, RA favours creating a channel raster from the highest common
factor. A raster of 1.25 kHz would allow channel widths appropriate to narrowband and wideband
technologies.
A more detailed look at the proposed band plan can be found in Annex C.
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450-470 MHz band alignment
Annex C: Band Plan Rationale
From the band plan diagram, it can be seen that we propose to realise the alignment in a phased process.
We have chosen to set basic constraints on the way the alignment is achieved:



paired blocks must be positioned 10 MHz apart;
each block moves only once; and
each move puts a block into vacant spectrum where possible.
There is a limit to the moves that are possible at each stage, since in general each move is facilitated by
those that have preceded it.
Of the various block allocations within the band, two are of particular interest since they do match the CEPT
Recommendation. One of these is the small allocation for maritime on-board15 use at 457 MHz and 467
MHz. These two blocks are the same size and are spaced 10 MHz apart. They are also international
allocations so it is not feasible to move them. The other allocation in this category is the single 25 kHz paging
channel at 466.075 MHz. This is an allocation used in various countries in Europe, although use in the UK
has ceased. Paging is effectively base transmit, and this channel is already in the upper half of the band. For
the time being, this channel will remain in reserve.
There are other blocks that appear to be spaced at 10 MHz, but these blocks are not paired with each other.
There is a 1 MHz block used by Short Range Devices (SRDs), which are licence-exempt. It is not feasible to
move this block over the timescale of this project, so all moves will occur around this block and it will remain
intact.
To begin the alignment, first we are looking for blocks that can be moved to create holes with 10 MHz
spacing. There is a hole at 464-467 MHz and another at 450-453 MHz, so we can either:
a) move something from within 454-457 MHz and so create a hole in this range; or
b) move something from within 460-463 MHz.
The CEPT Recommendation, as well as defining the configuration for 450-470 MHz, also identifies the band
440-450 MHz as being for simplex (single-frequency) usage. RA has been negotiating with the Ministry of
Defence to gain greater access to military spectrum in 410-450 MHz. Civil access to some single-frequency
channels on a national basis within 440-450 MHz has recently been granted.
There is currently a block of Wide-Area Paging, which is single-frequency base transmit, at 454 MHz. Since
this is single-frequency usage, it should be positioned in channels between 440 and 450 MHz.
The proposed process for the alignment is as follows:
Step 1
The single-frequency European Wide-Area Paging channel lies within the Emergency Services allocation
that will become vacant after migration. This channel is not used at present in the UK, but the channel will
continue to be held in reserve for the time being. The first move of the plan is to migrate the 454 MHz WideArea Paging block to new dedicated national channels between 440 and 450 MHz. This creates a hole at
454-455 MHz, which can be paired with the ex-Emergency Services hole at 464-465 MHz. Which block to
move next? We have to think what paired holes can be created as a result of each move.
Step 2
Within the band there are two pairs of blocks for PMR (used for duplex services) and one block for singlefrequency assignments. Within the paired PMR blocks there are a number of channels that, as well as being
duplex channels, also exist as independent single-frequency channels. The second phase is to move the
purely duplex assignments in one of these pairs (456-457 MHz/461.5-462.5 MHz) so that the base-receive
leg moves into the spectrum vacated by Wide-Area Paging at 454 MHz and the corresponding base-transmit
leg to ex-Emergency Services spectrum at 464 MHz. Not all the channels in the existing block contain
assignments, and additionally there will be some spectrum yield as a result of using new and better spectrum
assignment techniques. This block will therefore fit into less than 1 MHz.
ITU-R Radio Regulations Article 5.287 states, ‘In the maritime mobile service, the frequencies 457.525 MHz, 457.550 MHz,
457.575 MHz, 467.525 MHz, 467.550 MHz and 467.575 MHz may be used by on-board communication stations. Where needed,
equipment designed for 12.5 kHz channel spacing using also the additional frequencies 457.5375 MHz, 457.5625 MHz, 467.5375 MHz
and 467.5625 MHz may be introduced for on-board communications. The use of these frequencies in territorial waters may be subject to
the national regulations of the administration concerned. The characteristics of the equipment used shall conform to those specified in
Recommendation ITU-R M.1174 (see Resolution 341 (WRC-97)).’
15
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450-470 MHz band alignment
Step 3
As explained in Step 2, there are a number of channels within the paired PMR blocks that, as well as being
duplex channels, also exist as independent single-frequency channels. The next step of the move starts to
gather these single-frequency channels into channels between 440 and 450 MHz, in line with the CEPT
Recommendation. These are largely on-site services, which can conveniently be considered as mobile
transmit since, even though there may be base stations, these will be of similar power to handheld radios. So
the single-frequency block is placed below 450 MHz in the single-frequency band.
Step 4
Scanning Telemetry (principally used by the utilities for remote acquisition of data for command and control
purposes) occupies two blocks, each of 1 MHz. One of these blocks is used by central stations that transmit
to a number of outstations and collect data. The other is used for transmissions from the outstations. The
scanner can be considered a base station and the outstations can be considered mobiles, even though they
are fixed in location and can thus use directional antennas. This phase moves the scanner transmitters to
461.5-462.5 MHz, vacated by PMR mobile transmitters in a previous phase. The outstation transmitters
move to 451.5-452.5 MHz, which is vacant since this is ex-Emergency Services spectrum.
Step 5
This rationalises the residual Emergency Services spectrum – which is currently made up of several small
blocks in various positions in the band – into two blocks with the correct spacing.
Step 6
There are 26 channels used at airports for controlling the movement of vehicles in close proximity to aircraft.
These are basically PMR systems, but require Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval for assignment. These
channels are moved in this phase to holes at 467 MHz and 457 MHz, both of which were vacated by
Emergency Services in the previous phase
Step 7
Programme Making and Special Events has a number of blocks distributed in the band. At present these are
concentrated towards the top of the band, but (as explained in Annex B) this can be problematical in areas
where television channel 21 is used. Major news or sporting events generate a large requirement for
separate, co-located on-site systems; this requires careful frequency planning to avoid technical problems.
To meet this requirement, it is best to provide several small blocks distributed throughout the band rather
than one large contiguous block. This phase creates a pair of 500 kHz blocks in the centre of the band, at
approximately 455 and 465 MHz. At present, the bottom end of the lower block contains some channels
used for railways’ track-to-train communications systems (allowing one-person operation of trains). In time,
this system will migrate to a new digital system in a different band, so these channels will become clear.
Step 8
This moves the single-frequency channels within the other paired PMR block at 453-454 MHz and 459.5460.5 MHz into channels between 440 and 450 MHz.
Step 9
This moves the duplex channels in the second PMR pair to be appended to the existing aligned duplex
channels. This creates a large contiguous paired PMR block.
Step 10
We now complete the single-frequency block by moving the single-frequency channels from 461 MHz to
channels between 440 and 450 MHz in the new single-frequency block.
Step 11
This continues the redistribution of Programme Making and Special Events spectrum by creating a paired
block at the bottom of the band, separated by approximately 5 MHz from the block created previously.
Step 12
This completes the process by rationalising the remaining Programme Making and Special Events spectrum,
through extending two existing blocks at just above 457 and 467 MHz, either side of the already correctly
positioned Maritime On-Board channels.
The 12 steps of the process are illustrated in the chart accompanying this document. Throughout the process
it is not possible to give exact frequency ranges for the new blocks of spectrum, since the extent to which
yields will be made as a result of the introduction of better spectrum planning techniques is not yet known.
Page 23 of 24
450-470 MHz band alignment
Annex D: Consultation Criteria
1. Timing of consultation should be built into the planning process for a policy (including legislation) or
service from the start, so that it has the best prospect of improving the proposals concerned, and so that
sufficient time is left for it at each stage.
2. It should be clear who is being consulted, about what questions, in what timescale and for what purpose.
3. A consultation document should be as simple and concise as possible. It should include a summary, in
two pages at most, of the main questions it seeks views on. It should make it as easy as possible for readers
to respond, make contact or complain.
4. Documents should be made widely available, with the fullest use of electronic means (though not to the
exclusion of others), and effectively drawn to the attention of all interested groups and individuals.
5. Sufficient time should be allowed for considered responses from all groups with an interest. Twelve weeks
should be the standard minimum period for a consultation.
6. Responses should be carefully and open-mindedly analysed, and the results made widely available, with
an account of the views expressed, and reasons for decisions finally taken.
7. Departments should monitor and evaluate consultations, designating a consultation co-ordinator who will
ensure the lessons
Page 24 of 24