Spectrum

Every channel on which equipment transmits within the Velocity Interoperability Network is allocated by the Communications Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network. Allocations are recorded in the Register of Allocations and made under one of the classes below. No equipment may transmit on a Network channel without an allocation or a licence issued under one.

The classes determine who may hold an allocation, for how long and on what terms. The bands in which allocations of each class may be made are fixed by the Network band plan, which is published with the channels reserved for broadcasting and a summary of the register under Spectrum Allocations.

Class A: Network control

Channels reserved for the operation of the Network itself: routing, timing, authentication and emergency coordination. Allocated to Network institutions only and never released to other users.

Class B: Member primary

Channels allocated to a member organisation for its own operations across the Network. One primary allocation is made to each member on admission and renewed with its membership.

Class C: Shared service

Channels used jointly by two or more members for an agreed shared service. Allocated to the service, not to any one member, for the life of the service agreement.

Class D: Public broadcasting

Channels reserved for the public broadcasting service and the carriage of official announcements. Administered by the Department and not available for allocation to other users.

Class E: Licensed equipment

Low-power channels available to certified equipment on a licensed basis, including test equipment and short-range devices. Licences are issued for a fixed term and may be conditional.

Class F: Temporary

Short-term allocations for exercises, events and trials, normally of no more than 30 days. Temporary allocations lapse automatically at the end of the stated period.

Classes and bands. The table below summarises where each class may be allocated and to whom. Band X is divided between Class B and Class C allocations.

The procedure for applying is set out under Licensing. Notices of interference may be sent to contact@communications.gov.vin under the procedure set out under Interference. Channels reserved for official announcements are described under Broadcasting.