Introduction of UMTS in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is committed to ensuring the successful introduction of third generation mobile services, known as Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS). The Radiocommunications Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in consultation with other Government departments, is determining the way in which UMTS should be licensed in the UK. An auction of the Wireless Telegraphy Act (WT Act) licences is being considered by the Government. These aspects are outlined. The spectrum for UMTS, or IMT-2000 as known internationally, has been identified on an international basis by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The European Radiocommunications Committee (ERC) of the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) has earmarked most of the frequency spectrum allocated on an international basis for terrestrial UMTS within Europe. The issues relating to the frequency spectrum are addressed and the UMTS concept, as identified by ETSI SMG, is briefly outlined. The ETSI SMG decision on the UMTS air interface, together with its application, based on available information, are discussed. The initiatives of the European Commission are finally identified.