FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

used. However the need to record MMSI details would have to be addressed. The
extension of such a concept to the whole of the British Isles is also briefly discussed.
8.6 General Issues and Recommendation
This study brings together most of the key spectrum management issues. Previous
chapters deal with frequency management and harmonisation of use, socio economic
factors and the market, refarming of spectrum, the introduction of new technology,
standards, licensing including fees and charges, administrative pricing, European and
international regulatory issues, and the co-ordination of spectrum with neighbouring
countries.
The goal of any administration is to utilise the spectrum in an efficient and effective manner
by creating a predictable environment for current and future use of radio in a manner which
is in the public interest. The use of the radio spectrum needs to be strategically planned in
order to create an environment which allows for the long term planning and harmonisation
with international trends concerning radio services and products, whilst maximising the
potential for users and industry.
Objectives to be achieved may include the following:
• To allow the development of new services to meet customer and governmental
demand for radio services
• To manage the radio spectrum taking account of governmental requirements and
the needs of the various commercial sectors
• To harmonise spectrum use with international developments (ITU, CEPT and the
EU)
• To enable liberalisation of, and competition for, telecommunications (including
radiocommunications) services and equipment
• To enable the realisation of public policy objectives on safety (including
emergency services), cultural (including broadcasting) and social issues
• To stimulate technological innovation and competitiveness
• To support economic growth, create employment and to promote general welfare
• To support national security and defence.
In the case of the aeronautical and maritime sectors and the maximising of the spectrum
resource available to them, the key issues would seem to be safety, market issues, the
European regulatory framework, treaty obligations, standards, the introduction of new
technology and last but not least the possible use of incentive pricing to realise spectrum
efficiency gains within the two sectors.
Let us take an example to explore the issue in detail. The UK has a need for additional
PMSE spectrum and temporary long haul fixed service spectrum below 10 GHz. The
current radionavigation bands at 3, 5 and 9 GHz seem possible candidates to fill this role.
To achieve this scenario it would be necessary to consider a reduction in the size of the
allocations concerned.
8.6.1 Standards and the European Regulatory Framework
The reduction in allocation to maritime radar in any of the currently used bands would have
a direct impact upon the specifications of the radars deployed. Many current radars, though
nominally operating on frequencies slightly offset from the centre of the bands, due to the
short pulse-widths and the limitations in frequency control, in effect occupy the whole of the
available band. However, technically there is no need for them to do so. The application of
more modern techniques could reduce the overall bandwidth required. Such a change
would therefore require radars sold in the UK to conform to a UK specific specification. UK
vessels subject to IMO Carriage Requirements are required to comply with the EU Council
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