Wireless Telegraphy Licensing and Radio Spectrum Management

In addition to a licence required under the Telecommunications Act operators who provide telecommunication services by means of radio may require a licence issued under the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1949 and 1968) to use the radio spectrum. The Radiocommunications Agency (RA), an Executive Agency of the DTI, is responsible for the allocation, maintenance and supervision of the UK Radio Spectrum under the Wireless Telegraphy Act. The licensing process includes, where necessary, putting the transmitting sites through a radio site clearance procedure. This addresses issues such as radio interference, aviation safety and the need to minimise the number and optimise the use of sites, masts and other apparatus by sharing facilities. This clearance procedure is not a pre-requisite for planning approval and it is usually initiated after such approval is obtained.