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News Archive
15/12/08 Vacancy - Technical and Field Coordinator
08/12/08 European decision impacts Wireless Camera use at 2200 – 2210MHz
24/11/08 Salon 2008: A cut-and-dried spectrum plan
21/11/08 JFMG respond to Ofcom’s HD consultation
17/11/08 White space devices get go ahead in US
05/11/08 Operations Manager – New Appointment
20/10/08 JFMG submits thoughts on PMSE Band Manager consultation
26/09/08 Foreign interference to Channel 69
22/09/08 Ofcom extends contract with JFMG to license spectrum for PMSE
12/09/08 Vacancy - Operations Manager
08/09/08 JFMG contribute to MoD spectrum management discussions
15/08/08 JFMG responds to 2 of 3 DDR consultations
15/08/08 2500 - 2690MHz temporary access extended
14/08/08 Band Manager proposals focus on protecting PMSE
31/07/08 PMSE Band Manager consultation arrives
21/07/08 JFMG News - July 2008
12/06/08 Next steps in auction of white space spectrum
06/06/08 Ch38 included in Ofcom’s latest auction proposals
08/05/08 More efficient use of wireless microphones – Ofcom study
28/04/08 New Spectrum Information Sheet
16/04/08 More frequencies available online
04/04/08 Closure of 2.6 GHz band…
11/03/08 Online bookings - Single basket arrives…
26/02/08 Measuring up the 2012 white spaces
29/01/08 JFMG News - January 2008
16/01/08 White Space revealed…
11/01/08 Major Events programme 2008
11/01/08 Digital Dividend – Spectrum price crucial to success of PMSE band manager
07/01/08 Interleaved spectrum – White spaces or patches of grey?
15/12/08 Vacancy - Technical and Field Coordinator
Location: Central London
Hours: Full-time
We are looking for a RF engineer to support our small operations team in the provision of efficient spectrum coordination.
The Technical and Field Coordinator will proactively research and implement ways for us to respond to the competing demands of different spectrum users. The technical coordinator will be responsible for managing the use of PMSE spectrum at a wide range of events. The technical coordinator will also support programme makers by dealing with a wide range of technical queries and by identifying improvements in our services and systems.
The successful candidate will be a graduate in a relevant area with experience of using RF measuring equipment. He or she will also have excellent communication skills and be happy to travel and work flexible hours.
Increasing demands on the PMSE spectrum and the introduction of market forces make this an exciting time for our company. The Technical and Field Coordinator will have a key role in shaping and implementing our response to the challenges and opportunities presented.
For more information please contact daniel.grimes@jfmg.co.uk
To apply: Send CV and covering letter explaining how your experience and attributes fit purpose and responsibilities of the role to daniel.grimes@jfmg.co.uk
Closing date: Wednesday 31 December 2008
08/12/2008 European decision impacts Wireless Camera use at 2200 – 2210MHz
In November Ofcom consulted on proposals to authorise the use of terrestrial mobile networks complementary to 2GHz mobile satellite systems. This is a result of a European decision that will see 2170 – 2200MHz auctioned for the use throughout the EU.
The use is adjacent to wireless camera users at 2200 - 2210MHz so will therefore affect the usability of the band when it is implemented. Our response to the consultation suggests how the Technical Licence Conditions could be reconsidered to minimise the affect on wireless camera use.
24/11/08 Salon 2008: A cut-and-dried spectrum plan
Salon International is the UK’s premier event in hairdressing and for some years we have been working closely with the organisers to ensure that all use of wireless equipment is fully coordinated and licensed.
This year 94 wireless microphones were coordinated in advance of the show. However we also attended the event on its first day to check that the spectrum plan was working well. We visited most licensed stands to check for satisfactory operation and to ensure that their equipment was tuned to the correct frequencies.
As a result we investigated and resolved 3 cases of unlicensed use. They included two of the smaller stands who were operating unlicensed wireless microphones on Ch 61 and 68. One was operating on a clear frequency so we subsequently issued them with a licence. The second was operating too closely to a licensed user on the same channel, so were asked to cease using their equipment. A cabled microphone was then used instead.
Finally an Italian camera crew were found operating an unlicensed wireless microphone and were asked to re-tune to one of the organisers' reserve frequencies in order to prevent any problems.
Close involvement in the planning of the event and our attendance on the first day meant that any potential interference problems were identified and resolved early on. We understand how important this is to organisers and participants at events and we aim to increase our involvement in this activity in 2009.
21/11/2008 JFMG respond to Ofcom’s HD consultation
At the end of October Ofcom consulted on proposals to introduce
temporary assignments of UHF interleaved spectrum for High Definition
Television in some areas of the
Whilst regions due to switchover in 2009 will see the introduction of HD
channels on Freeview early, those due to switch later in the process will not.
Therefore Ofcom are proposing to identify UHF interleaved channels that can be
used for HD broadcasts on a temporary basis in these key areas. It is
these UHF interleaved channels that PMSE use for wireless microphones.
The consultation proposes use of channel 31 in
17/11/08 White space devices get go ahead in US
On 4th November 2008 Ofcom’s US counterpart, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced their decision to allow consumer applications using white space technology to share US UHF television spectrum on a secondary basis with TV broadcasts and wireless microphones. After 4 years of campaigning, opponents will be disappointed to hear the news.
These white space devices or cognitive radios will use spectrum sensing and/or geolocation technology to avoid other users. The FCC have conducted a number of tests on white space prototype devices, the most recent results of which were published in October. Whilst previous tests had not convinced them of their ability to detect both television broadcasts and wireless microphones within a channel; the most recent have provided enough evidence for the FCC to give the go ahead.
Last December, Ofcom announced their intention to allow the use of white space devices in the UK’s digital interleaved spectrum after switchover providing they could be convinced of their ability to avoid incumbent broadcast and wireless microphone use. Ofcom have committed to commissioning detailed technical tests to verify their feasibility. However it looks likely that whatever their findings, users of UHF spectrum can expect to see devices coming over from the US in the next couple of years.
05/11/08 Operations Manager – New Appointment
Daniel Grimes has joined the JFMG team as Operations Manager.
Daniel will lead the Operations team in enhancing the scope of our day-to-day management of PMSE spectrum and will be working to ensure the highest standard of customer service is maintained. Daniel’s appointment will also enable our executive team to focus fully on preparing for the future Band Manager award.
Daniel is an experienced manager and has worked with and developed successful customer service teams throughout his career at DHL. His commercial experience will be invaluable as we adapt to the changing spectrum and regulatory environment.
17/10/2008 JFMG submits thoughts on PMSE Band Manager consultation.
Ofcom’s consultation on the PMSE Band Manager closed on Thursday 16 October 2008.
The document was of particular interest to both us and our customers as it detailed plans for awarding a new commercial Band Manager for PMSE from Spring 2010. If you would like to know what we think of the proposals why not take a look at our response.
26/09/08 Foreign interference to Channel 69
Back in December 2007 Ofcom’s Digital Dividend statement confirmed that Channel 69 would continue to be available for PMSE use under the current licensing arrangements. But in their recent consultation on the DDR band manager award, Ofcom announced they wish to investigate alternative frequencies to Channel 69 with users.
The main reason is the gathering momentum within Europe for the creation of a harmonised mobile broadband cluster in channels 61 – 69. When Ofcom made their statement in 2007 it seemed unlikely that this would happen, but as the months have passed it appears that more countries are supporting the initiative.
At Ofcom’s band manager stakeholder meeting on 17 September, they explained that Channel 69 would be included in the band manager’s licence to be awarded at the end of 2009. However, they stated that the likely cost of the licence for the band manager would be extremely high because of the high value of the alternative use (mobile broadband). Whilst the full cost would be phased in over some years, this coupled with the fact that 69 would be isolated from the remaining wireless mic allocation come 2012, could mean it would be beneficial for PMSE users to migrate somewhere else in the long run.
Whilst no decision has been reached, it is important for Channel 69 users, including Shared UHF Wireless Microphone licensees, to be aware that continued use may be at risk in the long-term.
22/09/08 Ofcom extends contract with JFMG to license spectrum for PMSE
Ofcom has extended its contract with JFMG to coordinate and license spectrum use for programme-making and special events (PMSE). The new contract will run until at least the end of 2009. This meets Ofcom's commitment to ensure there is continuity of service to enable PMSE users to access spectrum suitable to their needs while Ofcom puts in place new band-management arrangements through its Digital Dividend Review.
12/09/08 Vacancy - Operations Manager
Location: Central London
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Fixed Term to 31st December 2009 (with possibility of extension to permanent)
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience + loyalty bonus + ITV benefits (health insurance, pension scheme, flexible working)
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on manager with experience in a customer service environment to manage our small team through the transition into a more competitive, performance-based environment.
Reporting directing to the Managing Director, the Operations Manager’s key responsibilities will include ensuring the day-to-day operations of the company run effectively by motivating the team and participating in their work, taking responsibility for the smooth-running of financial and quality management systems and reporting, and promoting the highest level of customer satisfaction.
The applicants will have management experience in a customer-service environment and have excellent communication skills. They will also be a fast-learner, who is full of initiative and happy to muck in and lead by example.
New technologies and the introduction of market forces make this an ideal job for someone who wants to make a real impact on a developing organisation and industry.
For more information please contact Emily.jeffers@jfmg.co.uk
To apply: Send CV and covering letter explaining how your experience and attributes fit purpose and responsibilities of the role to Emily.Jeffers@jfmg.co.uk
Closing date: Friday 10 October 2008
08/09/08 JFMG contribute to MoD spectrum management discussions
PMSE users currently share frequencies with MoD who is the primary owner of much of our spectrum. For many years we have been ideal sharing partners. Our bespoke coordination tools help us facilitate geographic sharing for PMSE users without compromising MoD use.
However, MoD are currently looking at ways of facilitating further sharing of their spectrum through the commercial market and this may change the way PMSE access it in the future. Earlier in the year they published a consultation document that highlighted their intentions and encouraged interested parties to respond. We believe that we can help MoD identify further sharing opportunities and have detailed this in our response.
15/08/08 JFMG responds to 2 of 3 DDR consultations
Back in June this year Ofcom published two of their Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultations. The first focused on the detailed award design for the so-called “cleared spectrum”, and the second looked at the design of auctions for the “geographic interleaved spectrum”. Take a look at our previous news items for more information.
Both of these documents are of interest to us as the frequencies awaiting auction are within the spectrum where wireless microphones currently operate. We have therefore responded to both documents highlighting PMSE issues that arise from the “cleared” and the “geographic interleaved” awards.
15/08/08 2500 - 2690MHz temporary access extended
The 2500 – 2690MHz band was due to be closed completely to PMSE use after 31 August 2008. However Ofcom has recently agreed that users can continue using the band for temporary use after this date.
All annual licences for the band will cease on the 31 August but we are able to accept applications for short-term use after this date in specific locations a maximum of three months in advance. Area assignments will not be available and access will be subject to 3 months notice.
Therefore we have now added the 2500 – 2690MHz band to our online wireless camera booking tool where 12 hour periods are available for up to 1W ERP only. Alternatively customers can continue to apply via our in-house service.
14/08/08 Band Manager proposals focus on protecting PMSE
Having now had an opportunity to fully digest Ofcom’s Band Manager Consultation, we believe that it contains mostly good news for our licensees.
The selection criteria that they propose to use for the beauty contest and the PMSE obligations that will be entrenched into the Band Manager’s licence have been designed with protection of PMSE access and use specifically in mind.
Whilst PMSE access to frequency bands are guaranteed until 2018, the Band Manager will only be given 1 years notice to hand back key bands to Ofcom if they fail to meet their obligations to the industry. The frequency package that applicants will compete for will also contain the majority of bands that JFMG currently licence; and this means that all PMSE access will be catered for in the future.
An obvious concern for any prospective Band Manager is the final licence fee that they will need to pay Ofcom for the PMSE spectrum package. Some of Ofcom’s initial calculations could be challenging for a Band Manager to deal with given the fees that PMSE licensees currently pay and the price obligations that will appear within their licence. Regardless of the level of fee it is likely that PMSE prices will have to increase once the Band Manager comes into operation.
Ofcom have stated that they have not yet completed their work on the Band Manager’s licence fee and that this will be subject to a separate consultation towards the end of the year. The same consultation will also address how the Band Manager will authorise access to its spectrum and the detailed technical conditions for each spectrum band. All of these issues are vital to address so whilst Ofcom have made a good start, there’s a still a way to go before we get the full picture.
31/07/08 PMSE Band Manager consultation arrives
Today sees the publication of the last of Ofcom’s three Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultations: “Band Manager Award”.
This consultation will be of interest to all of our customers as it consults on Ofcom’s plans for awarding a new commercial Band Manager for PMSE from Spring 2010.
The main headlines are:
- The award will be by Beauty Contest and will be for most of the spectrum currently used by PMSE (including the Digital Interleaved Spectrum)
- Ofcom propose to protect PMSE use by asking the successful Band Manager to make commitments:
- on pricing policy
- on allowing PMSE users to access spectrum for which they are prepared to pay
- on service levels users will receive
- on dispute resolution
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Ofcom will publish a second consultation in Winter 2008 on how the band manager will authorise PMSE use, detailed technical licence conditions and the level of the annual charge the band manager will have to pay to Ofcom.
16 October 2008 This consultation closes
Winter 2008 Second consultation
Spring 2009 Statement
Autumn 2009 PMSE Band Manager licence awarded
Spring 2010 PMSE Band Manager starts operating
21/07/2008 JFMG News - July 2008
- Digital Switchover activity update
- Ofcom DDR docs - 2 down, 1 to go...
- On the red carpet
- More enhancements and online demo's
- Community users
12/06/08 Next steps in auction of white space spectrum
Today sees the publication of the second of Ofcom’s three Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultations: “Geographic interleaved awards 470 – 550 MHz and 630 – 790 MHz”.
It focuses on the detailed design and award by auction of the so-called “geographic interleaved” spectrum. The “geographic interleaved” spectrum refers to some of the white spaces in channels 21 – 30 and 41 – 60 that are left in areas where Digital Television does not use a specific channel. This is where the majority of wireless microphones will operate after Digital Switchover.
Ofcom’s consultation proposes the following:
- To auction in late 2008/early ’09 lots of:
- Ch 21 and 48 in the Carlisle area
- Ch 57, 56 and 60 in the Manchester and Liverpool areas
- Ch 30 and 51 in the Cardiff area
- To auction via a combined award lots in the 25 sites identified in Ofcom’s December 2007 DDR statement – to take place after the “cleared award” in Summer ‘09
- To consider auctioning on a case by case basis a further 46 lots after the 25 are awarded. Based on sufficient expressions of interest.
The remaining “interleaved” spectrum will be awarded to a PMSE Band Manager, the detailed consultation of which is expected this summer.
This consultation closes on 21 August 2008.
06/06/08 Ch38 included in Ofcom’s latest auction proposals
Today sees the publication of the first of Ofcom’s three Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultations: “550 – 630 MHz and 790 – 854 MHz”. This focuses on the detailed award design for the so-called “cleared spectrum”.
The document explains that Ofcom propose to award the following spectrum by auction:
- 550 – 630 MHz (Channels 31 – 40) and 806 – 854 MHz (Channels 63 – 68)
- 590 – 598 MHz (Channel 36) in March 2009
- 606 – 614 MHz (Channel 38) in 2012
- 790 – 806 MHz (Channels 61 and 62)
The spectrum identified is as expected except from the introduction of a new proposal for Channel 38.
It also proposes the following timescale for the award:
- Auction to be held in Summer 2009
- But cleared spectrum will not be available for use in London until after the 2012 Olympic Games
This consultation closes on the 15 August 2008.
Still to come over the coming weeks are the remaining two DDR consultations:
i) The award of geographical interleaved spectrum; and
ii) The PMSE Band Manager award
We’ll be sure to keep you informed as soon as they are published.
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08/05/08 More efficient use of wireless microphones – Ofcom study
Ofcom have recently commissioned consultants to undertake a study looking at more efficient use of wireless microphones, IEMs and talkback. They would like to better understand how use might change in terms of spectrum, equipment and new technology up to and beyond the ten-year period during which users will continue to enjoy protected access to the UHF interleaved spectrum.
Therefore customers, manufacturers, industry experts and other stakeholders may be contacted to understand what developments are technically and commercially possible.
28/04/2008 New Spectrum Information Sheet
A new spectrum information sheet has now been published and will be included in all new licence documentation. The sheet currently focuses on the impact of digital television switch-over for users of wireless microphones, personal monitors and talkback/intercom in 470-862MHz
16/04/2008 More frequencies available online
We continue to expand the range of frequencies available for customers to book online. This month we are happy to announce:
1) The addition of wireless camera channels in the 2025 – 2110 MHz band
2) The introduction of wireless camera channels in the 7110 – 7250 MHz band
3) The addition of camera control channel 473.250 MHz
In addition we have introduced an “On-line Booking Latest” area on our login page so customers can see the newest releases to our online systems. You can also access our new Catalogue to browse what frequencies are currently available online without logging onto the portal.
04/04/2008 Closure of 2.6 GHz band
Ofcom has today published details of its award for the 2.6GHz band and announced that PMSE access will cease on 31st August 2008.No short term use will be licensed after 31st August 2008 and any licences currently in force for ongoing use of the band will be revoked on 31st August 2008.
Since 1st January 2007, PMSE use of the band 2500 -2690MHz has been permitted on the basis of 3 months notice of closure.
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11/03/08 Online bookings - Single basket arrives…
We can now announce the arrival of single basket to our online tools. This new addition will make our online tools far easier and convenient to use. Instead of having to book and pay for frequencies for each equipment type separately; you can now select all of your requirements and place them into the single basket to pay for in one go.
Why not visit the area now via the JFMG login page .
If you think that your company would benefit from an onsite demo of our online tools, or if you would like to give feedback on your experience of using our services, please email us at admin@jfmg.co.uk .
26/02/2008 Measuring up the 2012 white spaces
Now that Ofcom has released information on the shape and size of white space spectrum for wireless microphones, we can explore some of the key issues facing the industry: Will there be enough spectrum? How usable will it be? What do the maps and online tool mean? Is there a threat from cognitive radio?
Our forum on the 22 February aimed to provide industry with an in-depth understanding of all the essentials in preparation for Ofcom’s next consultation in Spring 2008. Take a look at the slides we presented to 40 industry representatives.
29/01/2008 JFMG News - January 2008
The January edition of JFMG News is now available.
In this issue:
- New horizon emerges from the mist
- Spotlight now on Wireless Cameras
- The Who - we Won't Get Fooled Again!
- On-line Toolkit - takes off
- New JFMG Website
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16/01/2008 White Space revealed…
Today sees the publication of “Access to interleaved spectrum for programme-making and special events after digital switchover”. The document is intended to clarify the spectrum available for use by wireless microphones after completion of Switchover (2012). The information is presented in the document using maps detailing availability throughout the UK. However, JFMG are also hosting the information in the form of a database similar to our online mic-check tool. Simply pick from our list of popular locations, type in the post code or Ordnance Survey grid reference to find out detailed availability in your area.
11/01/2008 Major Events programme 2008
Every year we successfully coordinate and licence thousands of frequencies for use at special events, most of which are dealt with on a first come first served basis. However every January we identify a number of forthcoming events that need to be treated differently to ensure their smooth completion.
We call these events “Major Events”. This means that we allocate specific event coordinators to each and encourage prospective customers to send in requests for frequencies well in advance. Once we receive applications we produce a spectrum plan that will aim to accommodate all of our customers’ requirements. For more information on this approach visit our Major Events page.
The 2008 Major Events list has now been finalised and published on our website. We will be assigning dedicated coordinators for each event in the very near future. So if your event is on our list please visit again in the next couple of weeks to find out who will be looking after your applications.Go to Top
11/01/2008 Digital Dividend – Spectrum price crucial to success of PMSE band manager
The Digital Dividend statement may have been published in December, but the debate regarding its content continues.
Contributing to Policy Tracker’s article “Ofcom sticks to market principles but throws in a few surprises”, JFMG’s MD, Paul Gill said:
“[Ofcom’s proposals] appear to be a workable framework for a smooth transition. However, the crucial next step is setting the level of pricing for the spectrum, and this won’t be known until an information memorandum is published in Autumn 2008.” Gill says “provided that the current revenues and price sensitivities are considered carefully when setting AIP (Administered Incentive Pricing) then there is a viable solution for a PMSE aligned band manager”. He adds that “JFMG has the technical and managerial abilities to become the band manager for the digital era.”
Paul will also be contributing to the wider discussion on 5th March when he will be speaking at the Policy Tracker European Digital Dividend conference in Brussels.
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7/01/08 Interleaved spectrum – White spaces or patches of grey?
We now know that much of the white spaces interleaved between digital TV broadcasts is to be reserved for
wireless microphones and monitors. (See our “Easy Guide”)
So with access to spectrum secured can the industry now relax and reflect on a job well done? Read more