Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1774, as amended by S.I. 1999/3243 and S.I. 2000/1678; “the Principal Regulations”) by altering fees set out in Schedule 2 to the Principal Regulations to be paid in relation to certain wireless telegraphy licences granted under section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (c. 54) (regulation 2(d)).
In conjunction with such alteration of fees, these Regulations introduce the Coastal Station Radio (Fixed Platform), Coastal Station Radio (Training School), the Maritime Radio (Suppliers and Demonstration) and the Ship Portable Radio licence classes in the Maritime sector. The UK Wireless Microphone (Annual) Licence and the UK Wireless Microphone (Biennial) Licence are also introduced in the Programme Making and Special Events sector. In addition, these Regulations introduce an algorithm and modifier value for the purpose of calculating the fees payable in respect of the Permanent Earth Station and Transportable Earth Station licence classes.
In the Maritime Sector the Ship Radio Licence is renamed the Ship Fixed Radio Licence, and in the Public Telecommunications Network sector the Radio Fixed Access Operator Licence is renamed the Fixed Wireless Access Licence.
In addition, in the Amateur and Citizens' Band sector persons holding the Amateur Radio Licence or the Citizens' Band Radio Licence are no longer charged a fee if they are aged 75 years or over.
These Regulations further amend the Principal Regulations by—
extending the exception in the definition of “national channel” to the Scanning Telemetry Licence (regulation 2(a));
deleting the definition of “local” in relation to the Programme Making and Special Events Low Power Licence (regulation 2(b));
substituting the Ship Fixed Radio Licence and inserting the Ship Portable Radio Licence in the licence classes for which qualifying charities can claim a fee discount (regulation 2(c));
substituting new Parts II and III of Schedule 3 relating to the Point to Point Fixed Links Licence (regulation 2(e)); and
inserting a new Schedule 7 (regulation 2(f)).
A full regulatory impact assessment report of the effect that these Regulations would have on the costs to business is available to the public from the Radiocommunications Agency Library at Wyndham House, 189 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SX (Tel: 020 7211 0211) or on the Agency’s Internet web site at www.radio.gov.uk. Copies of the report have also been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.