Radio Telephone Licences

HC Deb 09 February 1987 vol 110 cc2-3W

Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy in considering any extension of radio telephone licences after 1987 to ensure that all trunk roads are covered by the system.

Mr. Butcher

Licences for the provision of national radio telephone services have already been granted to BT and to the two cellular operators, Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio Ltd., and Racal Vodafone Ltd. It is a condition of the cellular operators' licences that by 1990 they cover an area where 90 per cent. of the United Kingdom population live. This will cover most trunk roads. Modification of the conditions of licences is a matter for the Director General of Telecommunications. I will of course bear in mind the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion if the licensing of any further national radio telephone operator arises.