Radio Frequencies (Mobile Phones) (Hansard, 12 May 2000)

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with the authorities responsible for airport radar systems in respect of the distribution of new frequencies for mobile phones. [121360]

§ Ms Hewitt
None of the radio frequencies for the licences assigned by the recent third generation mobile communications auction is used by airport radar systems.
A proposal to share frequency bands, including those used by civil airport radar in the UK, for possible future expansion of third generation mobile systems, is to be discussed at the World Radio Conference currently taking place in Istanbul (WRC-2000). The authorities concerned with civil airport radar were fully involved in the UK's preparations for WRC-2000, and ensured that the requirements of safety were taken into account. The agreed European position is that further study is required before any decisions can be taken.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when new licences for mobile phones will be issued; and what effect the distribution of frequencies will have on the optimal use of the spectrum. [121362]

§ Ms Hewitt
Subject to the provisions of the Wireless Telegraphy (Third Generation Licences) Notice 1999, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will grant a Wireless Telegraphy Act Licence for Third Generation Mobile Communications within 20 business days of the successful bidder for the licence confirming either that it is not subject to any preconditions or that it is no longer subject to any preconditions. Licences were issued to TIW UMTS UK Ltd. and One 2 One Personal Communications Ltd. on 9 May 2000.
A well designed auction with well informed bidders should ensure that spectrum licences go to those who place the highest value on them and are most likely to make optimal use of the spectrum. In addition, the issue of five licences, including one reserved for a new entrant, should help to ensure that the available spectrum is used effectively by increasing sustainable competition and encouraging the faster roll-out of innovative services.