§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
When and in what way they anticipate that 10GHz and 40GHz radio spectrum will be made available to the industry. [HL1337]
§ Lord Sainsbury of Turvillethe Radiocommunications Agency is reviewing the present use of and future plans for the 10GHz band in order to clarify how much radio spectrum could be made available to the industry and on what basis. At present it seems most likely that a competition will be held in the second quarter of 2002. No decisions have been taken yet as to the form that this competition will take.
(There is as yet no real consensus within the industry as to how the 40GHz band might best be used). Before making decisions about what type of competition to hold on 40GHz and when, the Radiocommunications Agency is planning to hold a further round of consultations with manufacturers and potential operators. The agency is willing however to make available test and development licences immediately to companies wishing to prove concepts or develop technologies for this band.