Index of Departments

Communications Commission

Radio Communications

The Commission works closely with Ofcom on radio spectrum issues. The Wireless Telegraphy Acts (of Parliament) are extended to the Isle of Man by Statutory Instrument, so Ofcom is responsible for the licensing of radio spectrum under that legislation. This it does in consultation with the Commission, taking into account Isle of Man Government policies.

The Isle of Man did not participate in the UK auction of third generation (UMTS) mobile phone frequencies. This autonomy has resulted in the early deployment on the Island of 3G mobile telephony services, ahead of the rest of Europe and alongside the most advanced in the world. The Island has similarly chosen not to participate in Ofcom's auction of Broadband Fixed Wireless Access spectrum in the 3.4, 28 and 40GHz bands. These high capacity frequencies are available for commercial use on the Island on the recommendation of the Commission. Ofcom also represents the Isle of Man in international fora such as the International Telecommunications Union when negotiating for the allocation of frequencies. It is also responsible for resolving interference issues. The Communications Commission works with Ofcom and the British National Space Centre when authorising space sector activities on the Isle of Man, such as geo-stationary satellite telemetry, tracking and control under international treaties.

The Commission licenses the commercial site sharing of transmitter mast facilities on the Island for both the public and the private sectors. Further information is available on request.