Big, bad carrier lobbies the government to get the rules of the game changed when it realises that it's missed the technology boat once again, to the detriment of all the technology visionaries of the world.
I guess no one but me is disgusted by this... David Boettger > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Stuart Henderson > Sent: Tuesday, 11 June 2002 7:10 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [BAWUG] UK changing 2.4GHz regulations 31 July > > > Ok, so it's not *exactly* Bay Area, but you might be interested... > > P/2002/345 > > 10 June 2002 > > TIMMS OPENS WAY FOR WIRELESS POSSIBILITIES > > Stephen Timms, e-Commerce Minister, today announced changes > to regulations that will permit parts of the radio spectrum > to be used for commercial telecommunication services without > the need for a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence. > > The changes announced today will affect the part of the radio > spectrum that currently used by a number of short range > devices, like wireless alarms and remote control toys. > Today's changes will allow wireless local area networks > (WLANs) to be operated on a commercial basis for public use > instead of just privately. It will open up opportunities for > telecommunications operators to develop new public services > using the same technology. > > Operators will now be able to address the demand for > short-range broadband services, opening the way for fast > internet access for laptop users in areas like airports and > coffee shops. > > Mr Timms said: > > "Spectrum is a valuable and finite resource. > > "Opening up this spectrum will provide opportunities for > telecoms operators to deliver new and innovative services for > the public. > > "This move will give businesses the opportunity to exploit > new ideas and technology. > > "It is vital that we give the resources to businesses to > create and deliver such services to benefit the public, to > make the best use of spectrum, and make sure they can > continue to compete in a global market place". > > The new regulations will affect the 2.4GHz part of the radio > spectrum. It is proposed that the changes will come into > effect on 31 July 2002. The decision follows a four-month > consultation exercise and a positive response to Government proposals. > > The 2.4GHz band will remain available to private users for a > number of licence exempt applications including WLANs and any > operators who choose to develop commercial services within > this part of the spectrum will have to take into account > possible interference and security issues. > > Notes for editors > > 1. All use of radio spectrum is subject to licensing under > the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act, unless specifically exempt > by regulations. Radio equipment that is currently exempt > includes most low powered short-range devices (burglar > alarms, key fobs, toy remote controls). The new regulations > will allow commercial telecommunications operators to provide > public services without a Wireless Telegraphy Act licence. > Operators will still be required to obtain a > Telecommunications Act licence. > > 2. The Radiocommunications Agency issued a consultation > proposing changes to the regulations affecting licence-exempt > spectrum on 19 October 2001. Comments were invited by 15 > February 2002 on how licence exempt spectrum might be used > for the delivery of public telecommunications services and > the best regulatory framework they could operate under. RA > received 54 responses, which were published on its website at www.radio.gov.uk 3. The Radiocommunications Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Under the draft Communications Bill, RA will become part of OFCOM. Public Enquiries: 020 7215 5000 Textphone for those with hearing impairments: 020 7215 6740 Internet: www.dti.gov.uk -- general wireless list, a bawug thing <http://www.bawug.org/> [un]subscribe: http://lists.bawug.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
