Rescue teams could get use of two new radio channels

The RNLI were among organisations concerned about fees

Fees for using certain radio channels could be scrapped for search and rescue teams under proposals by communications regulator Ofcom.

It has also suggested that an emergency service requiring a channel for its exclusive use should continue to pay a 50% discounted charge.

The details have been e-mailed to signatories of an e-petition opposing earlier proposals to raise costs.

Members of the RNLI signed the petition on the 10 Downing Street website.

The Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland had also expressed worries.

Proposals e-mailed from the prime minister's office to signatories on Friday include launching up to two new channels that could be shared by search and rescue teams to use for routine, non-emergency communications.

The RNLI pays £38,000-a-year for its VHF licence but had feared the cost could rise to £260,000.

Radio use on all vessels is free of charge, however, the costs apply onshore and include lifeboat stations and volunteers' pagers.