FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

Licence Numbers
YEAR 2003 2002
Coastal Station Radio:
CSR (UK) 507 558
CSR (Marina) 431 442
CSR (International) 492 464
CSR Training Establishment 20 2
Coastal Station Radio subtotal 1,450 1,466
Ship Radio (including Ship Portable
Radio):
Charities 436 332
Others 62,046 58,618
Ship Radio subtotal 62,482 58,950
Table 6-6 2002 and 2003 UK CSR Licensing Statistics
The implementation of digital technology requires a completely new generation of
equipment not compatible with the present system. This will have serious economic
implications for the shipping industry and will be a reason for developing countries to
delay the process. On the other hand, this will give industry the chance to develop and
place on the market a new generation of equipment. Furthermore, the similarity in
technology with land-mobile equipment will make it possible for the maritime community
to benefit from economies of scale, although the number of production units will be far
less than in the land-mobile service.
A standard VHF marine radio would cost in the order of £200, one that requires specialist
filters and a modified synthesiser for a total market size of 65,000 is likely to be £500 –
£700. Digital radio prices have been discussed with Nokia, a typical TETRA mobile
terminal would be of the order of £850 but this assumes a terminal made to a common
European standard. For example a TETRA like terminal made for APCO, the US public
safety market would be of the order of £3000. A coast station equipment would be
significantly more expensive. From this order of figures it seems clear that a harmonised
European approach is needed to push volumes up and achieve the necessary economies
of scale.
6.9 VHF – Communications (Private)
Many countries have in the past recognised the need for additional maritime channels
either for company business or for co-ordinating leisure or sporting activities.
Furthermore, within the past 20 years there have been various ideas in Europe and
elsewhere concerning the identification of frequency bands for an automatic maritime
public telephone system. An example of a working system can be found in the United
States.
The US Automated Maritime Telecommunication System (AMTS) is described by the
FCC as a specialised system of coast stations providing integrated and interconnected
marine voice and data communications, somewhat like a cellular phone system for tugs,
barges and other vessels on waterways. AMTS is available in US coastal waters and
inland waterways and uses spectrum in the range 217 – 220 MHz.
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