These are exciting times for the LPRA, a new more comprehensive and informative web site has been launched. A new council/board structure with more European influence was voted into place at the April 2007 AGM. Publication of the next LPRA Yearbook is progressing and interesting developments for a revived association journal will be announced soon. The LPRA also organises Radio Solutions - the only event in Europe targeted specifically at your potential customers.

All these features represent membership benefits, of which probably the most important are our involvement in the Standards and Regulations process and your ability to promote your company and its products through the LPRA web site.

As an LPRA member you also benefit from the experience, expertise and contacts of a ten strong Management Council. This team becomes an extension of your organisation.

It is essential that industry speaks with a united voice. With almost 100 members, the LPRA is in a position to achieve that objective. The LPRA has an international membership and provides focussed, industry wide, input to Regulations and Standards drafters. Membership guarantees you a place in this process.

ETSI, ECC and EC

The LPRA is a full and active ETSI member and also has representation on many decision making ECC and EC committees:

• ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute): produces the Standards.
• ECC (European Communications Committee): makes the Regulations.
• EC (European Commission): develops strategy.

ETSI Task Groups

ETSI operates an application based task group (TG) structure, working on Standards for short range devices (SRD’s).

Task Groups that the LPRA is currently represented on:

• TG28: Generic Short Range Devices
• TG30: Medical Devices (particularly ULP - AMI)
• TG31A: Ultra-wideband including Ground Probing Radar
• TG31B: Automotive Short Range Radar
• TG32: Digital mobile Radio
• TG34: RFID at UHF
• ERM: RM Radio matters

Membership of ETSI is costly and can often be an unaffordable overhead for many SME’s. As a member of the LPRA you can reap many of the benefits of ETSI membership. If you are a large company, membership of the LPRA often makes your life easier and participation in ETSI activities more efficient. You can subscribe to the Task Groups addressing your sectors of interest and contribute to the Standards making process. You are able to present your viewpoints to the decision makers.

ECC

The ECC regulates the industry through a management group and three top level engineering committees. The LPRA is represented at all levels that allow industry participation. The principal groups LPRA is represented on are:

• SRD-MG: Short Range Devices Maintenance Group
• WG-FM: Frequency Management
• WG-SE: Spectrum Engineering

Non radio standardisation committees

Additionally the LPRA attends several, non radio standardisation committees in CEN, BSI etc.

Information

You will receive information about proposed regulatory changes at an early stage and an opportunity to present your viewpoint to the Regulators through your sector representative. You get influence and your voice is heard, which would be almost impossible for an individual company. You will receive regular bulletins on test and measurement matters and may obtain guidance on the application of Standards.

EU Directives can seem unfathomable; the RTTE (Radio Telecommunications Terminal Equipment) Directive sets out the rules for product conformity, marking and essential requirements. Interpreting and understanding it can be a nightmare for engineering and marketing specialists alike. The LPRA provides interpretation services for this and advance information on other anticipated measures to enable members to plan responses - and avoid unpleasant surprises.

The LPRA is already a powerful advocate. Why not join the Team and add your voice?