The purpose of the Norwegian Frequency Plan is to provide information on the present and planned use of the frequency spectrum.
National table of frequency allocations
The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority is responsible for drawing up a national table of frequency allocations for publication. The purpose of the table is to make information available to operators, industry, equipment manufacturers and others who need to know the current and planned use of the frequency spectrum. The table of frequency allocations is superior. For more information, we refer to the strategy documents, and other information given at our homepage. Certain radio equipment may also be exempted from individual licensing. Details with regard to free use of frequencies are given through national legislation.
Background:
Frequencies are a limited resource, and effective utilisation of the frequencies is therefore important. With this in mind, endeavours are under way on a global basis to reach agreement on where the various radio services should be placed in the frequency spectrum. The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority participates in the international harmonisation effort in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and in the European Post and Telecommunications Union (CEPT). As part of the international Radio Regulations, the ITU has drawn up a frequency allocation table (ITU Radio Regulations, Article S5, Frequency Allocations). The Radio Regulations are revised every other year in connection with the World Radio Conference (WRC). The CEPT is similarly engaged in strategic planning of the use of the frequency spectrum. The CEPT administrations aim to implement a Europe-wide allocation table: the European Common Allocation Table (ECA), by year 2008. The Norwegian frequency allocation table is largely based on the ITU's and CEPT's allocation tables.
What the plan shows
The plan covers the frequency range 9 kHz - 400 GHz. The terminology employed is English since the definitions for radio services are not well established in Norwegian, and because the plan has to be suitable for international distribution. The notation employed uses upper case lettering for radio services to which primary status is assigned in the Radio Regulations. Secondary services are indicated in lower case lettering.
Columns in the table
The table's columns show Frequency band, Norwegian allocation, Norwegian utilisation, and Remarks to utilisation. The plan also contains links to those footnotes in the radio regulations that apply to Norway (e.g. S5.208), and also refer to the CEPT's provisions and recommendations (e.g. ERC/DEC/(96)01 and T/R 02-02)
General comments on the content of the plan
The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority would point out that actual utilisation/concrete assignments do not always match planned allocations. Listing of radio services is for information purposes only, and does not give the service in question automatic precedence in the band. In certain frequency bands, which have yet to be put into service, a series of primary services is listed without a final decision having been made on how the bands are to be used. The use of the frequency spectrum is continuously changing. New technologies make it possible to introduce higher frequency bands, and the transition from analogue to digital technology requires additional spectrums to be found for new services. The frequency plan therefore primarily reflects current frequency utilisation, as well as plans for the years immediately ahead. The plan is drawn up on a continuous basis and is not complete throughout. The frequency plan will be updated in step with future needs and international obligations.
