2009 Should See Cleared Spectrum Going To Auction In U.K.

Ofcom, the United Kingdom’s Office of Communications, has revealed detailed proposals as to how the organization will release the valuable spectrum that will be freed up as a result of the switchover to digital television. The aim is to enable innovative services that will deliver significant benefits to UK citizens and consumers. The spectrum, known as the digital dividend in the UHF band, is currently used for the delivery of TV channels using analog technology. Signals transmitted in these bands can travel over large distances and carry a large amount of information. These characteristics make the spectrum very suitable for delivering a wide range of new services, including ultra-fast mobile broadband, mobile television and more digital television services, in SD or HD. Ofcom’s consultation document proposes to release the spectrum in a way that will promote competition and innovation and allow the widest range of technologies and services to access the spectrum. The licences would be tradable and flexible to allow users to determine the technology and services they provide and to change the use of the airwaves as new technologies and services emerge. Ofcom plans to make 128 MHz of cleared spectrum available on a UK-wide basis, holding an auction in 2009. The spectrum will be freed up for new uses in phases, as digital switchover proceeds between now and 2012. More information is available by selecting the organization’s homepage graphic below…