Air Transport

The UK Office of Communications (OFCOM) has proposed that all operators in UK airspace, airports and air navigation service providers should pay an "administrative incentive pricing" charge for radio spectrum usage.

Airline reaction has been fierce, with the Association of European Airlines claiming that "administrative incentive pricing is a euphemism for tax" that will add £60 million ($105 million) a year to the UK treasury, making UK airlines, airports and general aviation less competitive, because no other governments charge.

OFCOM says it is just proposing the aviation and marine sectors be brought in line with other services that use the spectrum, including radio and television. Police and ambulance services are already charged, says OFCOM. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says it will file a comment in the consultation process, but cannot say yet what it will be.

• OFCOM's consultation:  Applying spectrum pricing to the Maritime and Aeronautical sectors

To read more about the proposed usage charges click here