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Radio fixed access meaning
What does Radio fixed access mean?
In practice, radio fixed access (often called fixed wireless access or wireless local loop) means delivering broadband or voice to premises over a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint radio link, instead of a wired copper or fibre last mile. Customer premises equipment uses a fixed antenna to connect to a nearby base station or access node, linking the premises to a public electronic communications network (PECN).
The term is descriptive rather than defined in legislation, but is widely used in UK and Irish telecoms law. Provision of radio fixed access constitutes an electronic communications network/service under the Communications Act 2003 (UK) and the Communications Regulation Acts (Ireland).
Operation depends on spectrum authorisation under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (UK) or the Wireless Telegraphy Acts (Ireland): Ofcom/ComReg licence or set licence-exempt conditions; technical limits (including EMF) apply.
Deployment engages planning for masts/antennas and property/site rights: rooftop or tower leases, wayleaves and, in the UK, rights under the Electronic Communications Code. Trenching for cabling is reduced, but site access and backhaul arrangements remain critical.
Usage and legal treatment are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, and the technology is common for rural connectivity, last‑mile substitution and resilience.
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View the related Practice Notes about Radio fixed access
PRACTICE NOTES
UK regulation of mobile satellite services: spectrum, Ofcom/CAA licensing, ITU and UNCOPUOS regimes, and post-Brexit assimilated law
This Practice Note explains and outlines the legal and regulatory framework that applies to mobile satellite services (MSS) in the UK at present. The principal categories of communications satellite service are as follows: the MSS the fixed satellite service the broadcast satellite service Broadly, in general, both within the UK and internationally, the regimes for these services are alike when it comes to securing spectrum access (even though they may operate in distinct spectrum bands) as well as when applying for a launch and operations licence. However, they can materially diverge regarding the need for associated terrestrial licences and in particular certain elements of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filing processes and relevant obligations under the ITU Radio Regulations. An MSS network may additionally need spectrum for communications between an Earth station and a satellite, and vice versa (feeder links), required for operation. This Practice Note concentrates specifically on UK law and regulation affecting MSS at UK level. For further detail on...
22 May
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PRACTICE NOTES
CMA phase 2 merger review: BT's acquisition of EE – UK telecoms vertical and horizontal effects assessed; unconditional clearance; no substantial lessening of competition (2016)
CASE HUB ARCHIVED – this archived case hub reflects the position at the date of the decision of 15 January 2016; it is no longer maintained. See further, timeline, commentary and related cases. Case facts Outline UK merger inquiry into BT Group plc’s proposed acquisition of EE Limited. The deal features horizontal overlaps and other non-horizontal matters within the telecommunications industry. Latest developments On 15 January 2016, the CMA cleared the merger without conditions, endorsing its provisional conclusions. Parties BT Group plc (BT). BT is a UK-based business and the largest provider of fixed communications services nationwide. It also operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). BT supplies numerous fixed services to other communications providers, including mobile backhaul for mobile operators (such as EE, O2, Three and Vodafone), linking radio masts to their core networks. BT also delivers wholesale broadband to communications providers (including EE). BT’s Openreach unit, regulated by Ofcom, is the local access network (the ‘first mile’) connecting customers to...
21 May
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