800 MHz Trunked Despatch Land Mobile System

Important Notice

The nature of radio spectrum management is such that the information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. The Crown does not accept any liability for damage or loss arising from reliance on any information contained in this document. Interested persons should contact RSM for further information.

Introduction

Trunked Despatch was developed to provide a more efficient use of the radio spectrum than is possible with conventional despatch services.

The new service gives operators with large fleets of mobiles, a system with some of the advantages of Cellular radio but is not solely dedicated to interconnect with the Public Switched Telephone Network.

It has only recently become feasible to utilise switched access to various radio channels, at a cost affordable by would- be network operators, as the cost of the intelligent control for mobile equipment has fallen.

With the scarcity of conventional despatch channels coupled with the cost advantages in implementing modern trunked systems, there is increasing customer demand to establish such systems.

Conditions for use

1. The bands 814 - 819 MHz and 859 - 864 MHz, commonly known as the "TS" band, are subdivided into 20 blocks of 20 channels each. A separate attachment provides you with the allotments. This band is provided for Trunked Despatch systems only. Applicants wanting to use a conventional two- frequency approach should use established land mobile bands.
2. In areas where demand cannot be met entirely from within the "TS" band the "TS" extension bands, 813 - 814 MHz, paired with 858 - 859 MHz are provided for Trunked Despatch systems.
3. Applicants will be granted access to a 20 channel frequency block, with initial access to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 channels. Further expansion will be based on a proven need.
4. Two is the maximum number of blocks that any User can have access to. These 2 blocks may not be exclusive to the User.
5. To gain access to further channels in any one block, it will be necessary to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that utilisation requires expansion.
6. Channels are considered to be fully utilised when the total number of Users is equal or greater than 100 times the number of channels being used.
7. Equipment used is to be type-approved to specification RFS 32.
8. Radio equipment must comply with the requirements of the Radiocommunications (EMC & Radio Standards) Notices.

How to apply

Applications for this service should be made using form Radio 2L [167 kB PDF]. Application should be made through or directed to the field office responsible for the intended area of operation.

Application fees

Applications must be accompanied by the standard application fee as prescribed under Part 1 of the Schedule 6 to the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001 for a land mobile service licensed under Regulation 14.

Note:

Initial applications must be for at least 3 channels. Applicants wishing to apply for additional channels will be required to complete new applications.

Particulars are required

The following must be shown on or accompany the application:

1. Technical details of the proposed service, in particular, switching range, the number of channels and proposed in service date.
2. Antenna information should contain the make and type/model number and radiation pattern and
3. a copy of site details and path performance calculations, including grid references.

Important notes

On many of the high power TV transmitter sites, the number and power of the transmitters has reached a level where the standard interference calculations can no longer ensure that there will be interference free operations.

The overcoming of interference, where this occurs, will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Licence fees

Fees are prescribed in Schedule 6 of the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001 for land mobile services. Initial licence fees will require the minimum fee be paid for the equivalent of 3 channels.

Offence

It is an offence under the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001 and Radiocommunications Act 1989 to use a radio transmitter other than in accordance with a radio licence, a general user radio licence, an exemption or a spectrum licence.

800 MHz TS Band Channel Blocks