02/06/2017

Increasing demand for mobile devices to be available everywhere at any time, together with the drive to facilitate new technologies and exploit new frequency bands, underpin a regulation proposed by Ofcom to implement an EU decision designed to boost mobile availability on the high seas.

Mobile devices have been able to connect to mobile communication services aboard vessels (MCV services) since 2011 through the MCV Exemption Regulations. These allow crew and passengers of vessels to use their own mobiles where there is inadequate land-based mobile network coverage – but only using 2G technology in the 900 and 1800 Mhz bands.

‘Notice of proposal to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Communication Services on Ships) (Exemption) Regulations 2017: Implementing a Commission Decision’ brings devices with 2G, 3G and 4G technologies operating in a broader range of frequency bands within the scope of the exemption.

Ofcom also proposes that ship operators wanting to offer MCV services should comply with certain new technical and operational requirements to obtain an authorisation – which would be included in the ship radio telegraphy licence – for the installation and use of mobile apparatus.

Although the proposed regulations will enable use of mobile apparatus when connected to the prescribed MCV systems on a licence exempt basis, there is no mandatory requirement on ship operators to install these systems on their ships.

As an EU Member State, the UK is required to implement the regulations by 3 August 2017, when they will replace the 2011 regulations.