Applications Invited For Restricted Service Licences

The ITC is inviting applications for Restricted Service Licences. Provision for RSLs was made in the 1996 Broadcasting Act. There are two types of licence: the first, to cover a specific event such as a festival, will be for a term of 56 days, the second, to cover a particular establishment or other location, will be for two years. Although renewable subject to competition, location-based RSLs are generally meant to give as many interested parties as possible limited access to television broadcasting.

Where there is more than one application for the frequency concerned, the ITC will generally reach its decision on the basis of which service is likely to offer the most to viewers.

Applications for the location-based RSLs will be considered about every six months, with the first closing date being 30 September 1997. Applications for event-based RSLs will be considered on receipt by the ITC.

Applications must be accompanied by a £500 fee to cover initial frequency planning work. If a suitable frequency can be identified an additional £1,500 is payable. In addition, the ITC licence fee of £225 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act licence fee of £2,000 are both payable annually.

Peter Rogers, chief executive of the ITC commented: “The advent of Restricted Services Licences really opens up the possibilities of local television in the UK. Exciting opportunities exist for local community groups and, for the first time, organisers of festivals and other events will have true access to television broadcasting to heighten the awareness of their activities and to reach a wider audience.”

ITC: 0171 306 7743