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Licensing options
We appreciate that it is vital for users displaced from Ch69 to have access to an equivalent of the UK Wireless Microphone Licence.
This annual or two-yearly licence provides for uncoordinated use of wireless microphones or personal monitors throughout the UK. Sample licence
There are 14 specified frequencies available on the licence. We have looked at the technical limitations of this set of frequencies on our page Ch69 revealed.
For discussion we have identified some potential licensing options for this type of use in Ch38:
- A licence for specific
frequencies only
As for the current licence in Ch69 but with one or more robust sets of frequencies aimed at different user groups on an advisory basis. - A blanket licence for use of
any frequency within a defined band
No frequency plan defined. Manufacturers design optimised plans to suit their equipment. - A blanket licence for use of
any frequency within a defined band
No frequency plan defined but recommended frequency plans published by the band manager for guidance and potentially to interleave different user groups. Manufacturers can still produce and deploy individually optimised sets.
Option 1 is familiar and there is the potential for it to be improved to optimise the number of channels that can be deployed. But it inhibits innovation and technological advance as the defined frequency plan would have to cater for all types of equipment whatever the price point or technology.
Option 2 removes the barrier to innovation. But our experience is that users value guidance on frequency plans even though manufacturers design their own sets into their equipment. Manufacturers support this perception and recognise that that there is merit in the band manager providing impartial and operational guidance to users.
Option 3 emerged as a clear favourite from our discussions with manufacturers. There are no barriers to stifle innovation but there is the option for the band manager to publish frequency plans that reflect users’ operational requirements. These plans can evolve to reflect latest developments in technology and improvements in spectrum efficiency.
But please tell us what you think? Email Forum