Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK A review by the FCS- March 2007 FCS Business Radio Council update for the Ofcom BRIG

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Purpose BR sector characteristics User community Operational advantages of BR Case studies Value to the economy and society

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Purpose of study Business Radio -BR Not high on the public agenda Its value to the economy underrated Spectrum policy decisions may impact sector viability FCS aims to elevate the debate and inform regulator and public

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Business radio sector characteristics Fragmented industry Suppliers are large manufacturers and SMEs Services are system supply, install, maintain, hire, public access Users are in every economic sector Stable industry and user community- now subject to change New technology- new regulation- sector seeking to grow

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK User community FCS members support customers in: Aerospace, airports, banking, biotechnology, broadcasting, chemicals, construction, defence, education, electronics, emergency services, entertainment, events, environmental, finance, healthcare, IT, local and national government, manufacture, marine, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, ports, public safety, retail centres and stores, sport, telecoms, transport, utilities

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Operational advantages of BR Ease of use Robust equipment. Fast call set up -one button Non reliance on third party outside networks. Tailored coverage – particularly tunnels, basements, internal comms Larger handheld devices. Equipment easily repaired Simple training Lower running costs

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK BR support for industry Aids compliance with legislation: Health and Safety at Work Act Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Control of Major Accident Hazards site obligations BR a requirement for insurance of sites Business continuity

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Case studies Film industry- essential for co-ordination of production- special effects Construction industry- site management- tower crane working; channel tunnel rail link; Heathrow Terminal 5 Traffic enforcement- traffic wardens, clampers and tow trucks Premier league football- safety, crowd control Pharmaceutical manufacturing site- safety, supply of own fire and emergency services

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Value to the economy and society BR investment gives rise to 00 times economic gain Sector £2 billion GDP contribution- economic gain £00 billion No BR = no production of manufacturing sites, slow or no construction; the trains stop

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK BR sector debate How will spectrum for the delivery of BR services be provided in the spectrum market? Should BR have assigned spectrum rather than depending on the market? Are auctions the best way forward? Auctions are for larger telephony players- do they have a relevance for BR?

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK FCS study report- at next BRIG

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Thank you

Representing the Communication Services Industry 12 March 2007Ofcom BRIG Importance of Business Radio to the UK Questions?