Short Range Devices Information Sheet

1 What Is a Short Range Device?

A Short Range Device (SRD) is a general term, applied to various radio devices designed to operate usually on a license exempt basis, over short range and at low power levels. This includes devices such as alarms, telemetry and telecommand devices, radio microphones, radio local area networks and anti-theft devices with maximum powers of up to 500 mW at VHF/UHF, as well as certain microwave/Doppler devices with maximum powers of up to 10 W.

For a full list of devices covered by this information sheet, and the parameters they must operate within, see the UK Radio Interface Requirement IR 2030

SRDs are for terrestrial use only, unless stated otherwise. They normally operate on a non-protected, non-interference basis.

2 Some points to note

When selecting parameters for SRDs, manufacturers and users should pay particular attention to the potential for interference from other systems and services operating in the same or adjacent bands. This is especially important for SRD devices that may be used in safety-critical applications. SRDs cannot claim protection from other authorised services, SRD or, generally, from other spectrum users and must not cause harmful interference themselves.

The pattern of radio use is continuously evolving to reflect the many changes taking place in the radio environment, including the introduction of new applications and technologies. Ofcom may need to review spectrum allocations occasionally to reflect these changes; the position set out in this information sheet is subject to amendment following consultation with interested parties.

3 Definitions

Telecommunication: Any transmission, emission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic system.
Radiocommunication: Telecommunication using radio waves.
Alarm: An alarm system that uses radio signals to generate or indicate an alarm condition, or to arm or disarm the system.
Radar level gauge: A device used mainly for measuring the contents of containers at industrial sites such as refineries. It operates in the microwave bands, using radar technology, at low power levels.
Radio local area network (RLAN): A radiocommunication device that links data networks or computers.
Radio microphone: A microphone that uses a radio link to convey speech or music to a remote receiver.
Radio Determination: The use of radiocommunication to gain information about the presence of any moving object, or to detect the presence of stationary objects using mobile equipment.
Telecommand: The use of radiocommunication for the transmission of signals to initiate, modify or terminate functions of equipment at a distance.
Telemetry: The use of radiocommunication for automatically indicating or recording measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument.
Terrestrial: Terrestrial use of SRD is non-airborne use. Aeronautical mobile or communications within an aircraft are not permitted where the use is terrestrial only. Unless stated in the IR 2030 the use is Terrestrial only.

4 Why have most of these devices been exempted from licensing?

SRDs have little potential to cause interference to other radio users, provided they operate under the correct technical conditions. In keeping with the Government's general policy of deregulation and reducing unnecessary burdens on business, we have removed the need for most SRDs to be licensed.

The current SRD Exemption Regulations are detailed in Schedule 5 of the Statutory Instrument;

SI 2011 No. 3035 The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption and Amendment) (Amendment) Regulations 2011,

Please note that the 'exemption' SI is reviewed periodically and is amended or reissued as required.

Some SRDs retain the need to be licensed, to give appropriate protection to other sensitive radio communications services. These include certain Radar Level Gauges, Ground Probing Radar and Radio Microphones. Details of these licensed SRD can be found in Table 3 to Annex B of the UK Frequency Allocation Table 2010.

5 UK Radio Interface Requirements

These interfaces, published as UK Radio Interface Requirements (IRs), specify the conditions you must meet to use the radio spectrum in the UK. Interface Requirement IR2030 contains the requirements for SRDs' licensing and use in the specified frequency bands. Under the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive 1999/5/EC, the UK must give the European Commission details of the radio interfaces it regulates.

6 Channel spacing

Where applicable, IR2030 states the channel spacing permitted for each frequency band or application. The following paragraphs however contain guidance, but you must refer to IR2030 for the detailed requirements.

Where either a 12.5 or 25 kHz maximum channel is allowed in a frequency band, you do not need to move to 12.5 kHz spacing at present. Nevertheless, we prefer to see 12.5 kHz channels used wherever possible, with the use of 25 kHz channels restricted to applications requiring higher data rates or where a 25 kHz channel is mandated.

Channel spacing is defined for some frequency bands.

Where a channel spacing is defined, unless specified otherwise in IR2030, the centre of the first channel is at a distance of ½ the channel spacing from the lower edge of the frequency band.
Where no channel spacing is given, manufacturers and suppliers should try to use devices with the highest frequency stability and narrowest modulation bandwidth, so that the bands are available to as many users as possible.

7 Description of SRD applications

This section gives a broad outline of the uses and frequency bands available for use in the UK. For the precise details of the technical restrictions in force in the UK , the constraints detailed in IR2030 must always be complied with.

7a Non-Specific Short Range Devices

The 6.78 MHz, 13.56 MHz, 27 MHz, 40 MHz, 49.9 MHz, 138 MHz, 173 MHz, 433.05 to 434.79 MHz, 863 to 870 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 24.2 GHz, 61 GHz, 122 GHz and 245 GHz bands are intended for a wide range of applications. Please see IR2030/1 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

Unless specifically stated otherwise in IR2030/1, music and speech are only permitted in bands where a) a duty cycle limitation is applicable or b) when the music or speech is digitised.

The 433.05 to 434.79 MHz band is in common use by Radio Amateurs. Benefits to both the Radio Amateur service and SRDs can be gained by mutually avoiding interference from each other. Ofcom has published Technical Information on the Radio Amateur part of our website, to help innovators of SRD understand the potential for interference. Additional information detailing Amateur Radio Repeater frequencies is given on the website of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee in the document "paper on SRD mitigation techniques" (see also http://www.ukrepeater.net/documents.html)

The 869.4 to 869.65 MHz sub-band may be used for radiated powers up to 500 mW, based on 25 kHz channel spacing. You may combine consecutive channels for increased bandwidth, up to the maximum sub-band frequency allocation. The total signal bandwidth, including frequency stability, must be contained within the allocated sub-band under all conditions.

Manufacturers should pay particular attention to the design of the receivers. Receivers with no filtering on the front-end or poor selectivity are prone to interference which may cause blocking of the receiver, which in turn could cause the device to malfunction in the presence of unwanted signals.

7b Industrial / Commercial Telemetry and Telecommand

For Industrial Telemetry & Telecommand apparatus, please see IR2030/2 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum radiated power and channel restrictions applicable.

The 458.5 to 458.95 MHz band is primarily intended for fixed industrial or commercial use, and cannot be used for general purposes. This band excludes the three spot frequencies (at 458.8250 MHz, 458.8375 MHz and 458.9000 MHz) that are available for fixed alarms, transportable and mobile alarms and vehicle paging alarms respectively; see IR2030/2.

The 458.5 to 458.95 MHz band may be used as either 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz channel spacing, where the channel centre frequency is 458.5 MHz + (channel spacing x channel number). For 12.5 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers available are 1 to 25, 28 to 31 and 33 to 35; for 25 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers available are 1 to 12, 14, 15 and 17.

The 173.2 to 173.35 MHz band may also be used, up to a maximum radiated power of 10 mW to a channel plan described in IR2030/2.

The 169.4 to 169.475 MHz band may only be used for Meter Reading or for Asset Tracking and Tracing. Please see IR2030 for full details.

7c Databuoy Telemetry

This apparatus, operating in the 34 MHz and 35 MHz bands, may only be used for telemetry in a marine environment. Please see IR2030/3 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7d Active Medical Implants, Animal Implantable Devices and Medical & Biological Applications

Medical applications may operate in any of the Non-Specific SRD bands. However, medical applications involving implants to be implanted in human subjects are strongly encouraged to select one of the bands within the specific allocations in IR2030/4. Specific bands for applications for animal implants are in IR2030/5. Other bands for medical and biological applications are in IR2030/6.

Frequency bands specifically available for human implants are;

1. The 9 to 315 kHz is used for near field connectivity devices such as implants, hand held external patient programmers and hospital programmers used by physicians, with a 10% duty cycle restriction. 2. 30 to 37.5 MHz band is a low power 1 mW allocation with a 10% duty cycle restriction.

3. The 401 to 406 MHz band is used for ultra-low-power active medical implants and their associated peripherals only. The band is based on 25 kHz channels, which can be combined to allow for larger channels. A spectrum access protocol is required for higher power applications or with duty cycles exceeding 0,1% duty cycle. There are Low Power Low Duty Cycle (LPLDC) provisions in both the 401 to 402 MHz and 405 to 406 MHz bands.

Frequency bands specifically available for animal implant applications:

4. The 315 to 600 kHz and 12.5 to 20 MHz bands may be used for Animal Implantable Devices at -5 dBµA/m at 10m and -7 dBµA/m at 10m respectively. In both cases a Duty Cycle limit of 10% applies.

Frequency bands specifically available for medical and biological telemetry applications:

5. The 300 kHz to 30 MHz band is for devices such as ingestible radio pills for both animal and human medical applications that are normally contained wholly within the body. The typical range of operation is less than 1.5 metres.

6. The 173.7 to 174.0 MHz band may be used as either 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz channel spacing, where the channel centre frequency is 173.7 MHz + (channel spacing x channel number). For 12.5 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers available are 1 to 24; for 25 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers available are 1 to 11.

The 173.7 to 174.0 MHz band may also be used for one radio channel, although this is not recommended.

7. The 458.9625 to 459.1 MHz band may be used up to a maximum radiated power of 500 mW ERP. Either 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz channel spacing may be used, where the channel centre frequency is 458.5 MHz + (channel spacing x channel number). For 12.5 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers available are 37 to 47; for 25 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers available are 19 to 23.

8. The 173 MHz, 433 MHz and 458 MHz bands, using narrow band channels may also be used to track birds, with a maximum radiated power of 10 mW only.

7e Wideband Data Transmission Systems (WBDTS) and Wireless Access Systems (WAS)

Wideband Data Transmission Systems operate both in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical band and the 57 to 66 GHz band. Please see IR2030/7 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable. WBDTD is typically used in RLAN (WiFi) applications, but the use of WBDTS is not explicitly limited to this use. Please see IR2030/8 for further details.

Note; Non-SRD Wireless Access Systems operate both in the 5150 to 5350 MHz and 5470 to 5725 MHz bands. There is a restriction to indoor use in the 5150 to 5350 MHz band.

7f Short Range Indoor Data Links

The 2445 to 2455 MHz, 5725 to 5875 MHz and 10.675 to 10.699 GHz bands are provided for transmitting data within a building. Music and Speech are permitted only when the using a digitised signal. Please see IR2030/9 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7g Railway Applications

These apparatus, operating in the 4234 kHz, 4516 kHz, 13.547 MHz, 27.095 MHz and 2446 to 2454 MHz bands may only be used for railway vehicle identification or for the provision of data links between the track and rail vehicles, in a railway environment. Please see IR2030/10 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7h Devices for the locating of victims in distress or at risk

This apparatus may only be used for the transmission of signals to aid the location of victims in distress. Please see IR2030/11 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7i Radio Determination Applications

This apparatus may be used by apparatus, designed to produce a radiated field and respond to a variation in that field as a result of intrusion or movement within that field by other devices, objects, or persons, in order to detect or monitor movement. Please see IR2030/12 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7j Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

This apparatus, operating in the 13.56 MHz, 865 to 868 MHz and 2446 to 2454 MHz bands, may be used for illuminating and interrogating tags. Please see IR2030/13 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable. In the 865 to 868 MHz band, the latest revision of the ETSI EN 302 208, this allocation is divided into 15 channels of 200 kHz each. Interrogator transmits on channels 4, 7, 10 and 13, with the tag replying on adjacent channels.

7k Road Transport and Traffic Telematics

This apparatus may be used to aid in the management, control or flow of transport and traffic. Please see IR2030/14 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable. The 5.8 GHz allocation is typically used in road management, such as road tolling; however the allocation equally applies to non-road traffic telematics as well.

Five frequency bands are available for RTTT:

The 5795 to 5805 MHz band is for the provision of short-range data links between roadside units and vehicles, including 'road toll systems'. Networks provided for the public or subscribers must be licensed.
The 5805 to 5815 MHz band is available as an extension to the band in (i), if extra frequencies are needed to cover multi-lane road junctions; it is allocated on a non-exclusive basis.
The 24.05 o 24.25 GHz band is intended for vehicle mounted radar. Additional conditions on dwell time are set depending on whether the radar is fitted behind a vehicle bumper, or if it is mounted elsewhere on the vehicle.
The 63 to 64 GHz band is used for corporate communications for ITS.
The 76 to 77 GHz band is for onboard vehicle and infrastructure radar systems.

7l Devices for Inductive Applications

These apparatus, operating in the 9 kHz to 30 MHz bands, are intended for use by a wide variety of applications. Please see IR2030/15 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable. Where the device is used submerged in water, the power may be increased to 40 dBµA/m at 10 m, provided that emissions above water remain within the prescribed limit described in IR2030/15 for in-air transmissions.

7m Metal Detectors

This apparatus, operating in the 9 to 148.5 kHz band, may only be used for the purpose of detecting metal and are limited to operating in the magnetic field. Please see IR2030/16 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7n Alarms

General Alarm systems, operating in the 868.6 to 868.7 MHz, 869.25 to 869.3 MHz and 869.65 to 869.7 MHz bands, may only be used to generate or indicate an alarm condition, or to arm/disarm an alarm system. Please see IR2030/17 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7o Social Alarms for the Elderly and Infirm

Social Alarm systems, operating in the 27.45 MHz, 34.925 MHz, 34.95 MHz, 34.975 MHz, 169.475 to 169.4875 MHz, 169.5875 to 169.6 MHz and 869.2 to 869.25 MHz, bands, may only be used to generate or indicate an alarm condition, or to arm/disarm an alarm system, in the context of being a social alarm. Please see IR2030/18 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7p Vehicle Paging Alarms

Vehicle Paging Alarm systems, operating in the 47.4 MHz or 458.9 MHz bands, may only to generate or indicate an alarm condition. Additionally, the 458.9 MHz band may be used to arm/disarm an alarm system. Please see IR2030/19 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7q General Alarms Associated With Marine Applications Including Fixed Shore Installations

Alarm systems, associated with Marine applications, operating in the 161.275 MHz band, may only be used to generate or indicate an alarm condition, or to arm/disarm an alarm system. Please see IR2030/20 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7r Mobile Transportable and Lone Worker Safety Alarms

Mobile , Transportable and Lone Worker Alarm systems, operating in the 173.1875 MHz and 458.8375 MHz bands, may only be used to generate or indicate an alarm condition, or to arm/disarm an alarm system. Please see IR2030/21 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7s Fixed Alarms

Fixed Alarm systems, operating in the 173.225 MHz and 458.825 MHz bands, may only be used to generate or indicate an alarm condition, or to arm/disarm an alarm system. Please see IR2030/22 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7t Model Control

The Frequency bands available for model control depend on the application. Please see IR2030/23 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable. In addition, Ofcom publish separate Model Control information Sheet OfW 311.

The 26.96 to 27.28 MHz and 458.5 to 459.5 MHz bands are for controlling general models.
The 34.945 to 35.305 MHz band is for controlling airborne models.
The 40.66 to 41.00 MHz band is for controlling models on the ground, on water or under the water.
The 433.05 to 434.79 MHz band may be used to send telemetry from models (including airborne models) back to their controller, based on 25 kHz channels.

The use of flying models is controlled by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Operators of model aircraft apparatus must equally take account of CAA regulations, including Air Navigation Order (SI) CAP393 Section 1 the Air Navigation Order 2010 Part 22, Small Unmanned Aircraft (166) and Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft (167).

Further, the CAA publishes the document CAP658; Model Aircraft: A Guide to Safe Flying. Note, the introduction to CAP 658 is explicit that it "refers only to model aircraft used for sport and recreation. Guidance on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for aerial work is contained in CAP722 - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations in UK Airspace - Guidance." In this context it is important to state that the Ofcom licence exemption is for Model Control only.

7u Radio Microphones

Some radio microphones require a Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) licence to operate. For the licensed class of apparatus the general maximum permitted radiated power is 10 mW. However, for body-worn radio microphones (devices intended to be worn next to or strapped to the user's body), the maximum permitted radiated power is restricted to 50 mW.

Licence Exempt Radio Microphones, operating in the 173.775 to 175.075 MHz, 173.7 to 175.1 MHz and 863 to 865 MHz bands, may only be used, as an aid to project personal voice or music. Please see IR2030/24 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

In the 173 MHz bands, the channel plan is based on a regular channel spacing of 50 or 200 kHz. For 50 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers are 10 to 35, where the channel centre frequency is 173.3 MHz + (channel spacing x channel number). For 200 kHz channel spacing, the channel numbers are 1 to 7, where the channel centre frequency is 173.6 MHz + (channel spacing x channel number).

7v Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices, operating in the 169.4 to 169.475 MHz, 169.4875 to 169.5875 MHz and 173.325 to 175.075 MHz bands may only be used as hearing aids. Please see IR2030/25 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

For the 173.325 to 175.075 MHz band, the channel plan is based on a regular channel spacing of 50 kHz. The preferred channel numbers are 1 to 5 and 7 to 9; where these channels are not available, you may use channels 10 to 35. The channel centre frequency is 173.3 MHz + (channel bandwidth x channel number).

7w Wireless Audio Applications and Low Power FM Transmitters

Wireless Audio applications, operating in the 37 MHz, 87.5 to 108 MHz, 863 to 865 MHz, 864.8 to 865 MHz and 2400 to 2483.5 MHz bands, may only be used for the purpose of providing a short range radio link for the transmission of audio signals. Please see IR2030/26 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

The power limitation in the 87.5 to 108 MHz band is particularly stringent, at 50 nW e.r.p. This limitation and the other restrictions on apparatus have been set so that compliant apparatus is unlikely to cause interference to FM broadcast reception in this band.

7x Wireless Video Cameras - Non Broadcasting

Wireless Video Cameras can operate in the 1394 MHz, 2400 to 2483.5 MHz and 5725 to 5875 MHz bands. Please see IR2030/27 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

Typical applications are for general-purpose closed-circuit television applications.

The 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz band is also allowed for low-power analogue video applications. You may also use the 2.4 GHz band for airborne video applications, subject to any further regulations required by the Civil Aviation Authority, where applicable.

7y Video Distribution for Private Use

Video Distribution apparatus, operating in the 1394 MHz band, may only be used for the distribution of video and associated audio, for private use. Please see IR2030/28 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable. Typical applications are for domestic low-power video senders.

7z 24 GHz Vehicle Radar

24 GHz wideband Vehicle Radar regulations are set in accordance with the European commission Decision 2005/50/EC as amended by 2011/485/EU. Please see the 24 GHz Automotive Short Range Radar regulations for details of the technical restrictions and the geographic exclusion zones.

7aa 79 GHz Vehicle Radar

79 GHz Vehicle Radar regulations are set in accordance with the European commission Decision 2004/545/EC. Please see the 79 GHz Automotive Short Range Radar regulations for details of the technical restrictions.

7ab Radar Level Gauges

These devices, which are mainly used for measuring the contents of large containers at industrial sites, operate in the microwave bands at low power. The UK allocation of Radar Level Gauge, are 5.150 to 7.100 GHz, 8.500 to 10.85 GHz and 24.3 to 27.7 GHz. A licence is required for equipment operating in the 10.6 to 10.7 GHz band. Please see IR2030/29 for further details of licence exempt channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7ac. Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR)

Tank Level Probing Radar operate in the frequency bands 4.5 GHz to 7 GHz, 8.5 GHz to 10.6 GHz, 24.05 GHz to 27 GHz, 57 GHz to 64 GHz and 75 GHz to 85 GHz. To operate within the permitted regulations, the TLPR must be fitted in a closed tank of metal or concrete or similar material and the emissions outside the tank must be very low. Please see IR2030/30 for further details of channels available, permitted maximum power and channel restrictions applicable.

7ad Ground Probing Radar

Ground Probing Radar (GPR) are only permitted to be used in the UK subject to a licence. Ofcom publishes Guidance notes for anyone wishing to operate GPR along with the licence application form.

8 Interference

Most SRD bands are shared with other radio services. If you receive interference from an authorised service that is operating within the terms of an appropriate licence or under licence exemption conditions, we cannot provide any protection; you or your SRD manufacturer must find a solution.

If you suspect an unauthorised transmission or you think an authorised service is operating outside the terms of its licence or licence exemption, you may complain to Ofcom.

The commonest cause of interference to SRDs from licensed radio services is the design of the SRD receiver. Before you complain to Ofcom about possible third-party interference, we strongly advise you to consult your device's supplier or manufacturer, to ensure that the device is designed to operate satisfactorily within the relevant band plan. If we investigate your complaint and find that your receiver has inadequate performance, you may be liable for any official costs incurred.

When considering a receiver for a particular application, please bear in mind the following points, to reduce the potential for interference:

avoid using receivers with no front-end filtering or with poor selectivity, as these are generally at greater risk of interference from adjacent services; and
equipment using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are likely to be prone to interference, because they need a relatively broad front-end to detect the transmitter (which may have poor frequency stability owing to the nature of the SAW device).

SRDs must not cause undue interference to other authorised services. If your SRD does cause undue interference, an Ofcom representative may order you to cease your operations.

Separate receivers should be well designed, taking into account other services that may share or be in adjacent bands. Please pay particular attention to spurious response rejection, selectivity, blocking and desensitisation. The ETSI Standard EN 300 220 provides recommended limits.

9 The R& TTE Directive, type approval and marking requirements

Since April 2000, the R&TTE Directive has removed the need for national type approval, replacing it with a conformity assessment regime based on manufacturers' self-declarations. Manufacturers, or other persons who place equipment on the market in the EU, take full responsibility for the conformance of their equipment.

10 Testing and Development, and Temporary Use

If development work is needed before a piece of equipment is declared compliant, this may be carried out under the authority of a Non-Operational Technology Development licence.

11 Electronic Communications Committee (ECC)

The ECC is a committee under the Conference of European Postal and Telecommunication Administrations (CEPT). It deals with CEPT's radio matters and issues decisions, recommendations and reports. The Mission Statement of the ECC states; "The Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) brings together 48 countries to develop common policies and regulations in electronic communications and related applications for Europe, and to provide the focal point for information on spectrum use. Its primary objective is to harmonise the efficient use of the radio spectrum, satellite orbits and numbering resources across Europe. It takes an active role at the international level, preparing common European proposals to represent European interests in the ITU and other international organisations.

The ECC's approach is strategic, open and forward-looking, and based on consensus between the member countries. It applies its expertise in partnership with all stakeholders, the European Commission and ETSI to facilitate the delivery of technologies and services for the benefit of society."

The ECC has rationalised its Recommendations dealing with low power, SRDs and other similar applications into one Recommendation, entitled 'CEPT/ERC Recommendation 70-03'.

Please note that the Recommendation has not been fully adopted in the UK.

12 European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)

ETSI is a European standards-making body, responsible for developing and publishing European Telecommunications Standards (ENs) and, where appropriate, its own ETSI Standards (ESs).

The European Commission has mandated ETSI to develop ENs as harmonised Standards for use under the R& TTE Directive. Equipment complying with these standards gives the manufacturer or importer the presumption of conformity to the R& TTE Directive's requirements.

Within ETSI's Electromagnetic and Radio Matters Group (ERM), a number of task groups (TGs) exist that develop standards for SRD. The main TGs of interest are:

TG11 (concerned with Wideband Data Systems)
TG 17 (concerned with radio microphones and cordless audio devices (among other issues)
TG 28 (concerned with generic SRD applications);
TG 30 (concerned with medical applications);
TG 34 (concerned with 'high-power' radio frequency identification systems).
TG SRR (concerned with Automotive Short Range Radar); and
TG TLPR (concerned with Tank Level Probing Radar);
For further details of the ETSI ERM TGs, contact the Low Power Radio Association (LPRA).

13 European Commission

The European Commission (EC) have developed an EC Decision intended to harmonise the use of certain SRD within the European Union. This decision is 2006/ 771/EC. Apparatus that has lawfully been placed on the market or brought into use in the EU under the R&TTE Directive that complies with this EC Decision may be used in the UK. The European Commission routinely updates this decision. The 2011 revision of the decision is 2011/829/EU.

14 Illegal devices

Ofcom publishes Licensing rules and regulations. These include a guide to the use of radio transmitters and the law. It is an offence to use a radio transmitter that has not been correctly authorised. Ofcom has the powers to take enforcement action against unlawful use of radiocommunications, including prosecution where necessary.

15 Contacts for further information

Low Power Radio Association

The Low Power Radio Association (LPRA) exists to represent the interests of the Short Range Devices (SRD) industry.

The LPRA is a trade association formally established as a Company Limited by Guarantee. It is managed by an annually elected council and administered by a professional secretariat. To enable individual members to focus attention on their areas of specific interest, the LPRA is organised into industry sectors.

European Communications Office

The mission statement of the ECO states; the European Communications Office (ECO) is the Secretariat of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), an organisation where policy makers and regulators from 48 countries across Europe collaborate to harmonise telecommunication, radio spectrum and postal regulations.

ECO provides advice and support to CEPT to help it to develop and deliver its policies and decisions in an effective and transparent way. Its core duties are to provide a European centre of expertise in electronic communications, to contribute to the work of the three CEPT committees and to manage CEPT's day-to-day activities.

ECO further supports CEPT member countries and other stakeholders providing a forum to debate and advance European communications policy for the benefit of all Europe's citizens.

Statutory Instruments

Copies of relevant SI can be downloaded from the Office of Public Sector Information.

European Standards

ENs and ESs can be obtained direct from the ETSI Publications Download Area or from the British Standards Institution BSI

18. Further information

Enquiries about information given in this information sheet should be addressed to Ofcom. Details are given at Contacting Ofcom.