asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the recent decision of the Radiocommunications Agency to delay issuing new telecom licences for microwave technology is consistent with the Chancellor of the Exchequer's determination to reduce the cost of access to the Internet. [HL1272]

The Radiocom-munications Agency consulted on whether to delay the issue of new licences for one frequency band to take account of the imminent consultation on another related frequency band. However, noting the stated preference of the respondees, the Radiocommunications Agency has decided not to delay the licensing procedure.