Presented by Andy Cutting, Ofcom in the UK Spectrum Policy Forum UK SPF Workshop: Spectrum Infrastructure Resiliency & Interference on the 18 April 2016. http://www.techuk.org/about/uk-spectrum-policy-forum

1. The Wireless Telegraphy (Control of
Interference from Apparatus)
Regulations 2016
Andy Cutting
Spectrum Policy Advisor
Monday 18 April 2016

2. 1
Content
• Section 1 – Ofcom's statutory duties and functions
• Section 2 – The current regime for addressing interference
• Section 3 – Why is the change necessary?
• Section 4 – What are the overall benefits?

3. 2
Ofcom’s role – Protecting the airwaves
• Management, regulation, assignment and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum;
• Give advice and assistance to people complaining of interference; and
• Enforce law for selling radio and electrical apparatus (to protect and manage the spectrum).
• Interference - Unlicensed transmissions and electromagnetic disturbance (noise).

4. 3
The current regime for addressing interference
• Interference must harmful;
• Apparatus type must be included in secondary legislation:
 Ignition apparatus (1952)
 Electro medical apparatus (1963)
 RF Heating apparatus (1971)
 Household appliances, portable tools, etc (1978)
 Fluorescent lighting apparatus (1978)
 CB Radio apparatus (1982)
• Affected party must take all reasonable steps to minimise interference;
• Only then - Ofcom may serve a notice, 28 days to stop using the apparatus or repair etc;
• Notice may be revoked or varied by Ofcom;
• Appeals process – a stay in proceedings pending outcome;
• Hampton Principle of better regulation applied throughout.

5. 4
Why is the change necessary?
• The existing SI’s are out of date with technological developments – Fluorescent light
but not LED light;
• Majority of cases resolved through negotiation and good will;
• The 2012 London Olympics were the catalyst to update the regime;
• We worked with DCMS and implement a time/geographical limited SI;
• The requirement to update and streamline the regime remained.

6. The new Regulations
5
Come into force
today!

7. What are the overall benefits?
6
• Repeal the seven existing statutes;
– Six interference SIs
– The 2012 Olympic SI
• Protect radio communications particularly safety of life services;
• Future proof the regime;
• Simplify the regime;
• Ofcom no longer have to rely on good will and negation in cases outside of old SIs;
• Allow Ofcom to protect and the manage the spectrum more efficiently and ensure optimal
use.

8. Thank you!
7
Andrew.cutting@ofcom.org.uk
LinkedIn – Andy Cutting