Ofcom to probe liberated spectrum usage
UK media regulator Ofcom has announced a year-long investigation into options for liberated spectrum following digital switchover.
Ofcom said its digital dividend review would examine all the options, "including the potential for a large amount of spectrum to be released for wholly new services".
Those new services include new mobile services, wireless broadband services, advanced business and broadcasting services, and additional television channels including possible high definition (HD) channels carried on the currently capacity constrained digital terrestrial platform.
Ofcom said the UK had a "proven reputation for innovation in wireless services and it is likely that ideas for other new services will emerge before and after switchover".
Ofcom said digital switchover between 2008 and 2012 could release up to 112 MHz of spectrum in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band for new uses. "The UHF band is prime spectrum, because it offers a technically valuable combination of capacity (bandwidth) and range," said Ofcom.
"It is much sought after for a whole range of services likely to be used by millions of people every day."
Ofcom said clearing the spectrum may necessitate changes "to the Wireless Telegraphy Act and Broadcasting Act licences held by a number of different organisations with the right to transmit in these frequencies".
In some cases, new licences would need to be issued.
Ofcom estimates that around 208 MHz of interleaved spectrum may also become available.
Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter said: "The benefits of digital switchover, in terms of efficient use of spectrum and subsequent innovation, are becoming clearer. This review is intended to maximise the digital dividend."