This statement sets out our decision to allow temporary access to 2290-2300 MHz for wireless cameras, up to the point where new users need access to the spectrum.
1.1 As part of the 2.6 GHz award process, we consulted on 11 December 2006 on the likely interest in candidates bidding at auction for spectrum at 2290-2300 MHz.1 On 1 August 2007, we announced that there was limited interest in this band and that, as a result, we were removing it from the auction with a view to considering it again at a future date.2
1.2 Spectrum use by wireless cameras for news and sports-gathering purposes is currently focused in the 2025-2115 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz bands. There is some use at 2500-2690 MHz, but this spectrum will shortly be cleared to allow new uses as a result of the 2.6 GHz award. The Radiocommunications Agency served notice in 2002 that users would have to vacate this band by 1 January 2007, although licences were extended to allow use until the award and can be revoked on three months’ notice. Wireless cameras currently operate in 10 MHz channels across a range of frequencies between 2 and 3 GHz and could therefore readily use spectrum at 2290- 2300 MHz.
1.3 We have decided to allow temporary access to 2290-2300 MHz for wireless cameras, up to the point where any future award for the band is completed. At this stage, we cannot be definitive about the end point for this temporary access as we are yet to determine the longer-term plans for this spectrum. We will, however, give six months’ notice before ending temporary access.
1.4 Charges for access will initially be on the terms outlined in the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) Regulations 2007.3 1.5 Temporary access to 2290-2300 MHz for wireless cameras complements access to 2200-2290 MHz. To ensure that there will be no adjacent-channel interference with spectrum immediately above this channel, temporary access will be allowed on the basis of a maximum effective radiated power of 1 Watt.