PMR 446 AND SHORT RANGE BUSINESS RADIO
The Radiocommunications Agency recently informed users, via the Autumn edition of Private Business Radio News, of the forthcoming introduction of the PMR 446 service and how this would affect Short Range Business Radio (SRBR).
What is PMR 446?
PMR 446 is a short range communication service that will replace the SRBR speech service. it is very similar to the SRBR speech service, but differs in that it is licence exempt, can be used anywhere in the United Kingdom and uses different frequencies (harmonised for use across Europe). It is expected that the PMR 446 service will be introduced in February 1 999 subject to Parliamentary approval
How does PML446 affect Short Range Business Radio?
SRBR licensees can continue to use SRBR speech equipment on SRSR speech frequencies until 31 December 2003. No use after this date will be allowed,
All SRBR licences have been extended (by a general notice published in the London and Edinburgh Gazettes) until 31 December 2003. There will be no requests for renewal fees,
The Agency will continue to issue SRBR licences, for both speech and paging use, until 30 September 1999. The SRBR licence fee will be waived for new SRBR licence applications when the PMR 446 service is introduced.
Some SRBR speech radios can be adapted for PMR 446 use, but this will depend on the frequency range and the type of antenna used, For more information contact your supplier.
Short Range Business Radio paging service
The Agency is also considering replacing the SRBR paging service and will consult with users on the future of the service shortly. An announcement on the future of the SRBR paging service will be made during the summer of 1999.
Further information
If you have any queries about the introduction of the PMR 446 service and the withdrawal of SRBR speech service, please contact PBS Central Licensing Unit on 01 71 211 0198.