Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/1331, “the 1995 Regulations”, as amended by the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1464) and the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I. 1997/1006)) by amending the definitions in regulation 3(4) relating to wireless telegraphy licences required for programme making.

These Regulations also substitute new provisions in Schedule 4 to the 1995 Regulations relating to the category of licences headed “Broadcasting and Ancillary Services”. The major effect of the new provisions is to change the basis of charging fees for a Restricted Radio Services Transmission (Class A—Freely Radiating) Licence to a daily rate, and to simplify the fees payable for a Restricted Radio Services Transmission (Class B—Radiating Cable) Licence. The Regulations introduce a Restricted Radio Services Transmission (Class C—Freely Radiating Very Low Power) Licence. The Regulations also introduce fees for programme making sound link channels in respect of the Programme Making and Special Events Link Licence.

In addition, the Regulations amend the provisions in Schedule 4 relating to the category of licences headed “Hobby Radio”in order to provide that as with an existing Amateur Radio Novice Licence, no fee is payable for an Amateur Radio Licence by persons aged under 21.