Funding

On 30 June 2009 Ofcom confirmed that funding will be provided for the move from Ch69 to Ch38 subject to establishing eligibility criteria.

On 15 August 2009 Ofcom published a further consultation on the options for funding.

Below is a summary of our understanding of Ofcom's current proposals for who will and will not be eligible for funding.

The consultation closed on 11 September 2009.
Ofcom plan to make a statement confirming their decisions in 2010.

users who had purchased before 2 February 2009 equipment capable of tuning to channel 69 but not channel 38; and were also in possession of a valid channel 69 licence after 2 February 2008;
licensed users who needed to buy Ch69 equipment between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2009, and who can provide justification;
rental companies who own, but do not operate, PMSE equipment that otherwise fulfils the criteria in the 800MHz consultation. These businesses will have to show to Ofcom's satisfaction that their operations are based on equipment hire as opposed to equipment use.

Ch31 - 37 and Ch60 - 68 users;
users whose equipment does not tune to channel 69;
users whose equipment tunes to 69 but also tunes to channel 38;
users who have never held a licence to operate channel 69 or who did not have legitimate reasons for allowing their licence to lapse for a period prior to the 800MHz consultation;
users who purchase Ch69 equipment after 30 June 2009

Latest proposals state:

funding will be based on the residual value of PMSE equipment on 1 January 2012 (or possibly later, up to the end of DSO); and
the amount of funding will be dependent on how much calculated useful life Ch69 equipment has left after 1 January 2012 or, if earlier, the end of 2018 (Whilst some equipment may be expected to operate beyond this date, PMSE use is only protected until 2018, so users could not reasonably expect to have access to Ch69 after 2018. Ofcom do not therefore anticipate providing funding for residual value of equipment past this date);
Ofcom are considering implementing a rate card which will provide details of a set value and lifecycle for each equipment type to simplify the application and funding process;
users will be required to provide proof of purchase and proof of ownership although consideration is also being given to how to deal with applications where no evidence is available;
Ofcom are proposing not to distinguish between equipment by type of user

15 August - 11 Sept 2009 Consultation on funding eligibility criteria
2010 Decision on funding

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