The new JFMG channels to replace the old ASP fixed site and outdoor channels are as follows :-

JFMG 462 / 469 MHz BAND

CHANNELS FOR FIXED SITES (LONG-TERM INDOOR USE)

These will replace existing fixed site assignments in the bands 457 / 462 MHz and 467 / 469 MHz .

If you have fixed site assignments in either of these bands, you will be contacted by JFMG with details of your new frequency assignments. You need do nothing until then.

457 / 462 MHz channels will need to be re-tuned by September 1998.

467 / 469 MHz channels will need to be re-tuned by December 1998.

Notes

(a) Maximum e.r.p.'s are 1 watt base tx at 462 MHz and 100 mW portable tx at 469 MHz.

(b) Simplex assignments for base transmit, e.g. presenters cue will be at 462 MHz. Simplex assignments for portable set-to-set use will be at 469 MHz.

(c) These channels are normally assigned for indoor use only. External antennas may be permitted in exceptional cases where sufficient spectrum capacity exists.

(d) JFMG will advise an optimum frequency plan within the above bands to meet each users requirements. The wider spacing of these bands means that duplex operation will be simpler and cheaper to achieve than in the old 467 / 469 MHz band.

(e) These channels are available under the Fixed Site tariff, charged for each frequency. Block rates are not applicable.

JFMG 457 / 467 MHz BAND

CHANNELS FOR SHORT-TERM INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE ('OB')

These will replace existing short-term assignments in the band 457 / 462 MHz .

If you use these frequencies for short-term work, you should arrange for your equipment to be re-tuned as soon as convenient (see note c below), and then commence requesting assignments onthenewchannels. Assignments at 457 / 462MHz will be discontinued by September l998.

Groups

lntermodulation-free Groups

bases 5th order portables 5th order / bases & portables 3rd order Base Tx Base Rx

Single Channels

Notes (a) Maximum e.r.p.'s are 5 watts base tx at 457 MHz and 1 watt portable tx at 467 MHz.

(b) Simplex assignments for base transmit, e.g. presenters cue will be at 457 MHz.

Simplex assignments for portable set-to-set use will be at 467 MHz.

(c) All users should fit some of the single channels. Users who need several channels at the same event should also equip with the intermodulation-free groups.

(d) The above transmit-receive frequency pairings are the only ones available. When requesting duplex assignments, it is only necessary to quote the base transmit frequency.

(d) These channels are intended for short-term assignments only, and are not available under the Fixed Site or News Gathering tariffs.

JFMG LONDON SE1 9LT

FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT

26 January 1998

Dear Licensee,

We are writing to you as the holder of a JFMG licence for radio talkback frequencies in the UHF frequency band.

JFMG are now in a position to create a greater number of interference-free channels for both fixed-site (theatre and studio) assignments and short-term (outside broadcast) activities. A number of anomalies have grown up from the previous licensing regimes, with outside broadcast and fixed site use sharing the same bands.

To meet increased demand for radio talkback frequencies and reduce congestion, JFMG are now planning to separate outside broadcast and fixed-site use into dedicated bands, resulting in a number of advantages to licensees.

For outside broadcast users the intention is to create three sets of intermodulation-free groups, each of four pairs of duplex channels, for use throughout the UK. There will also be the opportunity to enhance these sets with additional channels where necessary.

The new fixed-site band will offer channels exclusively for long-term operations such as theatre and studio talkback, with greater opportunities for multi-channel duplex operation and use of cheaper equipment.

The changes will require some equipment to be retuned and realigned, but should not involve replacement of major items. Equipment suppliers have been contacted and are aware of the work involved, which can be carried out at minimal additional expense during routine maintenance of radio taikback systems.

The exact effect of the changes will depend upon the frequencies which you currently use. Two separate plans are enclosed with this letter, and one or both may be relevant to your own operation.

The changes are being phased-in nationally over a period of months, and it will not be necessary for you to make your changes urgently, but JFMG are proposing that all licensees complete the change during 1998. You can therefore schedule the work for a time convenient to yourself and your equipment supplier, perhaps bringing routine maintenance forward if necessary, to meet this timescale.

We recognise that these changes may cause some work and expense, but once the transition is complete the provision of radio talkback will be greatly enhanced for the benefit of all users.

If you need to discuss any aspect of the changes, please contact us.