Explanatory note

This Order is made under section 29 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (“the Act”). Section 29 of the Act implements Article 7(1)(c) of the Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (Authorisation Directive) (OJ No L 108, 24.4.02, p21). Under section 29(1) of the Act OFCOM must, if they consider it appropriate for the purpose of securing the efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum to impose limitations on the use of particular frequencies, make an order imposing these limitations.

Article 2(1) of this Order specifies the frequency band for the use of which OFCOM will grant only a limited number of wireless telegraphy licences in Northern Ireland. The licences will be within the licence class known as Spectrum Access.

Article 2(2) sets out how the persons to whom the wireless telegraphy licences are to be granted are to be determined.

Article 2(3) sets out the criteria for determining the number of wireless telegraphy licences to be granted.

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this Order will have on the costs to business is available to the public from OFCOM at Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA (Tel: 020 7981 3000) or on the Office of Communications Internet web site at www.ofcom.org.uk. Copies of the report have also been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament.