Ofcom Update

General Notice of Final Decision on the variation of radiocommunications licences to require compliance with international guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).

Yesterday 18^th May 2021, Ofcom published their final decision regarding the proposed licence variation clause relating to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Below is a summary explaining what has been agreed.

Ofcom has decided to proceed with their proposal and vary licences to include a new licence condition. The new clause requires licensees to comply with international guidelines for limiting exposure to EMF to protect the general public. They have also decided to require licensees to keep records demonstrating how they comply.

Ofcom has taken on board the feedback from the Federation of Communication Services and the concerns of existing licensees. Subsequently, they have made some changes to the licence conditions and their Guidance on EMF Compliance and Enforcement. These changes provide further clarity and reduce the impact on licensees.

Accordingly, Ofcom has published the following:

• An updated version of their Guidance on EMF Compliance and Enforcement.
• An updated version of their EMF Compliance Flowchart.
• And a new Shared Site Compliance Flowchart.

Please see the downloads below.

Licensees have been given a minimum of six months to comply with the new licence condition. Below is the timeline, as set out by Ofcom.

• 18 November 2021 for requencies at or above 110 MHz
• 18 May 2022 for frequencies above 10 MHz but below 110 MHz
• 18 November 2022 for frequencies at or below 10 MHz

By the 18^th November 2021, DTS.Solutions (U.K) will retain a record of the compliance assessment for each of the licences that we manage on behalf of our clients. However, if you manage your Ofcom licence yourself and want us to complete a Compliance Assessment for you, please feel free to reach out to me directly, amanda@dts.solutions.