Royal Mail simplify PAF licence

Royal Mail has published its simplified Postcode Address File (PAF) licence following extensive consultation with the market. The new licence is designed to widen take-up, encourage greater use of PAF, and meet the current and future needs of users, solutions providers and developers of PAF based products in today’s diverse marketplace.

Key features of the new licence include clearer licensing terms and an updated pricing structure. The new terms and the new prices will come into effect in April 2015. This will be the first time prices have changed since the terms of the current licence were implemented in April 2010.

The new licence follows new measures, implemented last year in collaboration with Government, to provide free access to PAF for micro businesses and small independent charities, encouraging innovation and growth.

A new Public Sector Licence

In addition, Royal Mail has reached agreement with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and Scottish Government on the introduction of a centrally paid Public Sector Licence to cover use of PAF. From 1 April 2015, eligible public sector organisations in England and Wales, and Scotland, will be able to take advantage of the new Public Sector Licence without additional charge.

Stephen Agar, Managing Director Consumer and Network Access said: “We’re very pleased to be publishing our new simplified Postcode Address File Licence. Over the last few months, we have consulted extensively with the market and its representatives to develop a framework that offers users a shorter, clearer, simpler license with a wider scope for innovation and fewer restrictions on the use of PAF. We’re confident that the new licence offers the continuity and flexibility that we know the market as a whole wants.”