By Emmanuel Oluebube, Senior Correspondent, UK
UK TMT regulator, Ofcom is proposing to modify its regulations so that certain wireless equipment can use radio spectrum without a licence.
This follows several policy decisions taken by Ofcom in recent months, which require changes to regulations before they can be introduced.
The regulator is proposing to:
- make changes to licence exemption rules regarding some Short Range Devices, satellite terminal equipment and safety-related Intelligent Transport Systems, and to remove the licence exemption for higher-power wideband data transmission systems in the 57-71 GHz band.
- close the licence exemption for the deployment of any new devices in the 24.25-26.65 GHz band.
Ofcom’s consultation on these proposals closes at 5pm on January 19, 2023. Subject to the responses it receives, Ofcom plans to bring in the proposed regulations into force as soon as practicable.
The regulator has also published an update to its previous consultation on proposed annual licence fees for 10 GHz, 28GHz and 32GHz spectrum. This corrects the model it published alongside its consultation, which is used to calculate the level of national fees. The closing date for responses is 5pm on January 12, 2023.
