The Digital Dividend Review statement was announced on 13 December and today we’ve published an accompanying “Easy Guide” that highlights the main decisions within the document.

13/12/2007 Future for Wireless Microphones now clearer

Today sees the publication of Ofcom's Digital Dividend Review statement.

It details Ofcom's decisions regarding the UHF spectrum (470 - 862 MHz) that will be released as a result of the UK's switch from analogue to digital television. All of which is currently used by programme makers.

The original consultation was published back in December 2006 so today marks the end of year long communication between Ofcom and industry groups to come to today's final decisions.

Proposals of particular interest to our customers are as follows:
Channel 69 will continue to be available for PMSE and protected by licensing
Most of the "white spaces" between digital television in channels 21-30 and 41-60 will be available for PMSE
Part of the "white spaces" in channels 21-30 and 41-60 will be auctioned for local television (or other uses)
All of the "white spaces" in Channels 61 and 62 will be auctioned and so unlikely to be available for PMSE
Low power "smart radios" will be permitted to share "white spaces" but must not cause interference to PMSE or digital television
Channels 31-37, 39-40, 61-62 and 63-68 will be cleared of PMSE use
Access for PMSE users will be through a Band Manager
Spectrum will be awarded to a Band Manager by a beauty contest at end-2008
Auctions for "white spaces" will start at end-2008. Auctions for cleared spectrum will follow in 2009

Further detailed information on the shape and capacity of "white space" spectrum for PMSE after Digital Switchover will be published shortly. We will host an on-line look-up tool to enable users to find-out what spectrum will be available on a location-by-location basis.

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10/12/2007 The future use of 169 MHz

In October Ofcom published a consultation to investigate possible future uses for the 169 MHz band. It is currently a European harmonised Band for paging services, however with the onset of mobile phones its use has dwindled.
They therefore suggest making licences available for a 6 month period. We have responded to the document stating possible PMSE uses.

05/12/2007 Planning for London 2012

Whilst it may seem a long time in coming the spectrum planning for the 2012 Olympic Games is already high on Ofcom's agenda. They have therefore published a consultation: "Spectrum planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games" to gather feedback on likely spectrum requirements.

28/11/2007 Online tools, new features - Instant login...

Last month's release of talkback saw the completion of our online booking suite. So you may think that our Technology team would be resting easy over the coming months. Not so. We are continuously looking at ways of improving the tools for customers and will continue to implement enhancements.
The latest release sees the introduction of Instant login. A facility that allows new users to do just that, login instantly and buy frequencies online without waiting for a password from the JFMG team.
The release also includes small enhancements to the existing tools that make it easier for customers to make multi-equipment bookings. The latest are the provision of a drop-down box of locations used by the customer during recent online sessions; and instant e-delivery of documentation. Next on the horizon is the implementation of a single basket.

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 .

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27/11/2007 Wireless broadband at 3.5 GHz

Ofcom have recently announced its decision, following consultation, to amend UK Broadband's 3.5GHz licence. The licence now permits higher power operation and also the use of mobile equipment.

UK Broadband's use is adjacent to PMSE at both edges of the 3.500 - 3.580GHz allocation for digital wireless cameras. Programme makers raised concerns that the deployment of higher power base stations and the widespread use of mobile equipment would result in a significantly greater risk of interference to wireless cameras.

JFMG's consultation response can be found on our 3.5GHz band topic page.

21/11/2007 Whitehaven goes digital

On Wednesday 14 November Whitehaven became the first area to switch off its analogue television transmissions and go completely digital.

As a result, the UHF TV channels available for wireless microphone use in the area have changed. We have updated our online coordination and booking tools to represent these changes in full.
We are committed to tracking these frequency changes as digital switchover sweeps the UK; and will be updating our tools on a region by region basis to fully reflect what you can use when travelling the country.

01/11/2007 Configuration of the 450- 470 MHz band - A Mott MacDonald study

The emergency services may vacate a significant amount of the 450 - 470 MHz band in the near future. To explore the options for reconfiguration of the band, Ofcom have engaged consultants who will be contacting a number of stakeholders, including a sample of PMSE licensees.

If you would like to contribute to this study please take a look at the letter of engagement and questionnaire where you can find details of how to take part.

17/10/2007 Online Talkback goes live!

We are pleased to announce that the final component of our online toolkit is now available. The provision of talkback online means that you can book frequencies for almost all of your requirements - wireless cameras, wireless microphones, in-ear monitors and comms.

Although we are proud of our rapid turnaround of applications, our online toolkit enables you to choose and book your frequencies immediately. And there is no extra charge to pay for those last-minute requirements at evenings and weekends!

If you're an existing licensee with login details why not visit the area now via the JFMG login page. If you require a login please go to the Login page on the website for full details of how to obtain one.

If you think that your company would benefit from an onsite demo of this, or any other booking tool, or if you would like to give feedback on your experience of using our services, please email us at admin@jfmg.co.uk.

17/10/2007 Wireless cameras online - Lower cost bookings now available!

Our wireless camera booking system now features more flexible 12 hour fees. You can still book any period you require but fees are charged for each period of up to 12 hours. This option is exclusive to online bookings and means that customers pay less when they use our online system.

If you would like to take advantage of this facility you can either pay by credit card, or for further cost saving, use carnets. Please note that you'll need to purchase some special online carnets first though! Of course, online carnets are available online (or contact us in the office).

12/10/2007 PMSE access to TV Ch63- 68 extended

Ofcom have announced that they will temporarily allow PMSE access to channels 63 to 68 in the Scottish Borders, Wales, West Country and North-West England after switchover. This means that annual users of the channels will be able to continue using their frequencies after switchover occurs in their region. It also means that additional channels will become available for temporary use for a short time.

The length of time PMSE users in these regions have access to frequencies will be dependent on when the new users need access to the spectrum. There is no definitive date for when this access would be removed, however it seems likley that it would not be until late 2009. Ofcom state that users would be given six months notice prior to needing to vacate. Take a look at their statement for full details.

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03/10/2007 JFMG response: Award of available spectrum: 2500-2690MHz, 2010-2025MHz

On the 1st August 2007 Ofcom published a consultation to look at the auction design for the award of 2500-2690 MHz and 2012-2025 MHz. In addition they also published an ERA technology report on the effects of adjacent channel conditions on PMSE receivers. This work repeated tests that JFMG had independently undertaken.

The consultation closed on 28 September 2007 and JFMG sent in a response with the aim of highlighting again the potential for adjacent channel interference issues. We also suggest ways of mitigating the risk of interference to wireless cameras. Take a look at our response for full details.

01/10/2007 New Out of Hours Emergency Number

If you need to contact us with any late frequency requests or interference problems outside office hours the new number is:

020 7299 8699

The old 07050 number still works but is being phased out in 2008 (the 0207 number is cheaper to call too).

03/09/2007 Implementation of New PMSE licence fees

JFMG can now confirm that new fees for PMSE licences will be implemented on Monday 15 October 2007.

The changes can be summarised broadly into the following:

Fees increase by 20% on average, with a higher increase for some Annual licences in the 65 ? 470 MHz frequency range;
Online Radio Microphone licence fees remain the same;
A discounted rate for digital wireless cameras booked on-line will be introduced;
The three higher frequency price ranges from 8 GHz and above have been consolidated into one.
Population thresholds for area assignments have been amended.

If you would like to know more about how this will affect you go to our Fees web pages.

03/09/2007 Annual Fixed licences for Audio Description Services (ADS)

ADS users can apply for Annual Fixed site licences from Monday 15 October 2007. In addition all ADS users must also be in possession of an RSL-ADS Broadcasting Act licence, take a look at our ADS page for full details.

30/08/2007 PMSE: Future spectrum access - JFMG's response

In June Ofcom published their supplementary document to their original Digital Dividend Review consultation, " Programme-making and special events: future spectrum access".

The document focuses on the future arrangements for PMSE access to the digital interleaved spectrum (Channels 21-30 and 41-62) after digital switchover (DSO). However rather than focus solely on the issues highlighted in the DDR, Ofcom intend to use this consultation to investigate what could also happen to the remaining PMSE spectrum management function after 2007.

As the current band manager for PMSE spectrum JFMG are uniquely placed to highlight the issues concerned with any future management regime. We have undertaken significant work to analyse the options Ofcom have proposed and have provided feedback on the advantages and disadvantages of each. Take a look at our response for further details.

30/08/2007 JFMG respond to UK Broadband consultation

Ofcom's consultation regarding UK Broadband's request to vary their 3.5GHz licence closed on 27 August 2007.

UK Broadband's use is adjacent to PMSE at both edges of the 3.500 - 3.580GHz allocation for Digital Wireless Cameras. JFMG looked at the consultation and have highlighted a number of concerns regarding the proposed changes. Take a look at our response to find out more.

23/08/2007 Updated Spectrum Information Sheet (August 2007)

An updated version of the Spectrum Information Sheet is now available. This document aims to inform programme makers of the many issues surrounding PMSE spectrum.

Of particular interest this time is the publication of the PMSE consultation document as a result of the Digital Dividend Review.

22/06/2007 JFMG's Guide to Ofcom's PMSE consultation

The Programme-making and special events: future spectrum access consultation document was announced on 20 June and today, as promised we've published a Guide to the proposals.

In addition we have issued a press release to outline what JFMG's initial views on the proposals are.

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20/06/2007 Out today - Ofcom's PMSE DDR consultation document

Today sees the publication of Ofcom's supplementary document to their original Digital Dividend Review consultation, "Programme-making and special events: future spectrum access".

The document focuses on the future arrangements for PMSE access to the digital interleaved spectrum (Channels 21-30 and 41-62) after digital switchover (DSO). However rather than focus solely on the issues highlighted in the DDR, Ofcom intend to use this consultation to investigate what could also happen to the remaining PMSE spectrum management function after 2007. It is therefore relevant to all PMSE licensees and we would urge you to read the document carefully.

Options put forward include the following:

The status quo
The status quo with Administrative Incentive Pricing (AIP)
Beauty Contest with AIP
Auction with additional safeguards
Auction with DDR safeguards
Auction without safeguards

The consultation runs for 10 weeks, the closing date being 31 August 2007. A final statement is planned for late 2007.

We will be publishing a guide to the proposals on our website later this week.

15/06/2007 Wireless Camera Forum - Outputs

In our news item of 4 June we promised to take forward a number of issues that were highlighted in our Wireless Camera forum (25 May 2007). As a result we have produced our Technical Action Plan which outlines the work we intend to undertake over the coming year.

Our first priority from the plan is to consult with industry on reorganising the upper 2GHz (2200 - 2290MHz) bandplan, including a proposal to limit the radiated power for Ongoing use to 100mW. Our Wireless Camera Consultation: Re-planning of 2200 -2290 MHz band looks at the issues in detail.

If you would like to respond to the consultation please email Amanda.Houchen@jfmg.co.uk. The closing date for responses is 9 July 2007.

08/06/2007 Digital Dividend Review - Timings update

Ofcom recently published a summary of the responses received to their Digital Dividend Review consultation. The document also outlines new timescales for the subsequent PMSE discussion document, additional market research and Ofcom's final statement, which is not anticipated until late 2007.

Take a look at our updated timeline to see how the timings have changed.

04/06/2007 Fees Regulations update

In January Ofcom announced they will go ahead with their proposals for PMSE fees as consulted on in 2006. The Fees Regulations that enable these changes have now been published. PMSE licensees can expect to see them implemented around August 2007 but JFMG will notify customers of the exact date as soon as it is confirmed.

The changes can be summarised broadly into the following:

Increase spectrum fees by 20% on average, with a higher increase for some Annual licences in the 65 - 470 MHz frequency range;
On-line shared wireless microphone licence fees remain the same;
Introduce a discounted rate for digital wireless cameras booked on-line;
Consolidate the three higher frequency price ranges from 8 GHz and above into one.
A revised methodology for determining those fees that are based on the population within the required area of use. This resolves a disparity primarily affecting nations such as Wales.

If you would like to know more about how this will affect you, see our quick guide to the proposals.

04/06/2007 PMSE Forum- Spectrum for Wireless Cameras

Further pursuing our commitment to support the industry wherever possible, Friday 25 May saw JFMG host another PMSE forum, this time to discuss the many issues surrounding spectrum for wireless cameras.

The event enabled 20 representatives from both the major users and manufacturers to share views on the impact spectrum changes will have on their ability to successfully use and manufacture wireless camera equipment. The day evoked numerous discussions surrounding interference in 2GHz and the pending auction at 2.5GHz, as well as exploring the viability of producing equipment that operates on higher frequency bands.

The event highlighted the need for the users and manufacturers of wireless cameras to work more collaboratively in promoting their spectrum requirements and concerns to Ofcom. It also produced possible solutions for interference problems suffered by users. JFMG will be working with those affected to further these ideas in the very near future.

23/05/2007 Summary Report for Year to 31st March 2007

Overall activity in the PMSE sector continues to grow and was up by 11% this year. This follows a 13% growth in the previous year. In the period April 2006 to March 2007, we received a total of over 10,500 requests for frequencies. These represent a total of over 62,000 individual frequency assignments issued during the year which were completed:

Same day    75%
Within 1 day    93%
Within 2 days    97%
Within 3 days    99%

Following a successful annual audit in February, our management system continues to achieve certification to ISO 9001:2000 quality standard.

15/05/2007 Le Tour, London - Canterbury 7-8th July 2007

We are setting a deadline for applications for this year's Tour de France in London for 31st May. Any applications received after this date may not have their requirements met.

Depending on payment, we hope to issue licences by 8th June.

14/05/2007 JFMG News - May 2007

The May edition of JFMG News is now available.

In this issue:

The Digital Dividend Review
Finding the new White Spaces
The London Marathon 2007
Wireless Bookings – our first customer
Wireless Microphone booking

26/03/2007 DDR - What's next for PMSE?

DDR Timeline small Now that the Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultation has closed, what next for the PMSE industry?

Ofcom have recently announced that they will be publishing a further discussion document focussing specifically on how to deal with the concerns raised by the PMSE industry. It is thought that the document will contain enhancements to the initial proposals, and will provide PMSE users with a chance to help Ofcom refine their ideas. We recently presented our thoughts to Ofcom and are hoping that the document will take some of them into consideration.

Ofcom plan to publish the discussion document shortly, providing PMSE users with a 4 week period in which to respond. This will ensure that Ofcom will be able to include their final decision within the main DDR statement anticipated in July 2007. Take a look at our timeline to see how the discussion document fits into the DDR process.

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15/03/2007 Now available – On-line Wireless Microphone bookings

Here at JFMG we are committed to providing our customers with innovative spectrum management solutions. That’s why we’ve launched our on-line wireless microphone booking system.

The new system provides live coordination of wireless microphone and in-ear monitor use within the UHF TV bands (470-854 MHz). All you have to do is indicate where and when you want to use your kit and the rest is done for you. The booking system displays which channels are available at your location; simply select the channel and the amount of microphones or monitors you’ll be using and head to the checkout.

If you’re an existing licensee with login details why not visit the area now via the JFMG login page. If you require a login please go to the Login page on the website for full details of how to obtain one.

If you think that your company would benefit from an onsite demo of this, or any other booking tool, or if you would like to give feedback on your experience of using our services, please email us at admin@jfmg.co.uk.

6/03/2007 The Digital Dividend Review – Our response

We have now completed and submitted to Ofcom our response to the DDR consultation document. Please take a look at it to see what we believe the important issues are.

The Digital Dividend Review consultation was published back in December 2006. Since then JFMG have been working tirelessly with industry and Ofcom to ensure its implications are fully understood. We’ve published our “Easy guide” to the DDR and the DDR Check tool on the website as well as organising a PMSE forum to further publicise the problem with those most affected by the proposals.

Subsequently we’ve met with Ofcom and industry bodies again; attending, for example, the PSA Annual meeting and the Westminster e-forum.

If you have an interest in frequencies between 470 – 862 MHz please familiarise yourself with the proposals by looking at our “easy guide”.

We would urge customers to send a response to Ofcom – remember the closing date is 20 March 2007.

6/03/2007 Auction could squeeze wireless camera frequencies

In our response to Ofcom’s consultation we have highlighted the risk of increased interference to wireless cameras when new services move into the bands 2015-2025 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz.

These bands are immediately adjacent to the two key spectrum allocations for digital wireless cameras which have already proved to be vulnerable to users in neighbouring bands.

The 2500 – 2690 MHz band is also up for auction and is currently used for wireless cameras. Programme makers are required to vacate the band in 2007 with 3 months notice.

6/03/2007 Westminster e-forum on the DDR – What we really said…

We have recently published the slides presented at the Westminster e-forum on the Digital Dividend Review (28 February 2007) and can now make available the presentation text that accompanies it. Take a look to see what Paul really said…

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2/03/2007 Westminster e-forum on the Digital Dividend Review

Paul Gill was invited to present the case for PMSE at the Westminster e-forum on the Digital Dividend Review on Wednesday 28 February 2007. The presentation slides are now available on our Digital Switchover topic page.

2/03/2007 Updated Spectrum Information Sheet (February 2007)

An updated version of the Spectrum Information Sheet is now available. This document aims to inform programme makers of the many issues surrounding PMSE spectrum. Of particular interest in this update is the publication of the Digital Dividend Review consultation.

21/02/2007 Self help TV relays and digital switchover

A recent Ofcom consultation, “Self help TV relays and digital switchover” outlines plans to enable digital self help schemes to maximise the coverage and availability of digital television throughout the UK following digital switchover.

Currently JFMG, on behalf of programme makers, have the opportunity to comment on applications to establish new analogue self helps to ensure that PMSE interests in the UHF TV band are protected.

We have responded to the consultation proposing that the impact to PMSE continues to be taken account of when processing self help requests.

2/02/2007 ADS Statement

Ofcom has announced that the trial licensing period for Audio Distribution Systems (ADS) will end on 30 June 2007. The trial will be replaced by a permanent WT Act licensing regime which JFMG will continue to administer.

The new regime will allow Annual Fixed site licences to be issued and will also include additional spectrum between 52 and 68 MHz.

Please note however that from 1 July 2007 ADS applicants will need to obtain a Broadcasting Act licence from Ofcom prior to operation.

29/01/2007 JFMG PMSE Forum on the Digital Dividend Review

On Friday 26 January 2007 we held an industry meeting to discuss Ofcom’s Digital Dividend Review (DDR). In excess of 40 representatives from all over the industry were in attendance, ranging from broadcasters, hirers, manufacturers, freelancers and the theatre.

What people are saying about the JFMG PMSE Forum:

"Thanks for and congratulations on the best presentation yet about DDR. A clear picture of the various scenarios and a pragmatic approach to possible solutions that has been lacking in many quarters – please pass that on to all concerned".

"I would also like to thank JFMG for a most enlightening presentation."

“The morning was very valuable and tightly run - just what is needed. Thanks for hosting it so well.”

The slides are now available for all customers to view. Remember, that if you have an interest in frequencies between 470 – 862 MHz you should be fully aware of the proposals put forward. We would urge customers who feel strongly about them to send a response to Ofcom – remember the closing date is 20 March 2007, so watch this space for our response.

10/01/2007 Ofcom statement on revised fees

Last year Ofcom consulted on proposals to introduce new prices for PMSE licences and frequency assignments issued on their behalf by JFMG. Today they have published a statement that confirms they will be going ahead with their implementation.

The changes can be summarised broadly into the following:

Increase spectrum fees by 20% on average, with a higher increase for some Annual licences in the 65 – 470 MHz frequency range;
Online Radio Microphone licence fees remain the same;
Introduce a discounted rate for digital wireless cameras booked on-line;
Consolidate the three higher frequency price ranges from 8 GHz and above into one.
Ofcom have also agreed to adjust the population threshold for area assignments to address a distortion that affects Wales.

If you would like to know more about how this will affect you, see our quick guide to the proposals. PMSE licensees can expect to see their fees change in May/June 2007. JFMG will notify customers of the date of implementation as soon as it is confirmed.

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News Archive 2007

20/12/07 Wireless Cameras – Additional channel now available!

17/12/2007 JFMG’s "Easy Guide" to the Digital Dividend Review statement

13/12/2007 Future for Wireless Microphones now clearer

10/12/2007 The future use of 169 MHz

05/12/2007 Planning for London 2012

28/11/2007 Online tools, new features - Instant login...

27/11/2007 Wireless broadband at 3.5 GHz

21/11/2007 Whitehaven goes digital

01/11/2007 Configuration of the 450- 470 MHz band - A Mott MacDonald study

17/10/2007 Online Talkback goes live!

17/10/2007 Wireless cameras online - Lower cost bookings now available!

12/10/2007 PMSE access to TV Ch63- 68 extended

03/10/2007 JFMG response: Award of available spectrum: 2500-2690MHz, 2010-2025MHz

01/10/2007 New Out of Hours Emergency Number

020 7299 8699

03/09/2007 Implementation of New PMSE licence fees

03/09/2007 Annual Fixed licences for Audio Description Services (ADS)

30/08/2007 PMSE: Future spectrum access - JFMG's response

30/08/2007 JFMG respond to UK Broadband consultation

23/08/2007 Updated Spectrum Information Sheet (August 2007)

22/06/2007 JFMG's Guide to Ofcom's PMSE consultation

20/06/2007 Out today - Ofcom's PMSE DDR consultation document

15/06/2007 Wireless Camera Forum - Outputs

08/06/2007 Digital Dividend Review - Timings update

04/06/2007 Fees Regulations update

04/06/2007 PMSE Forum- Spectrum for Wireless Cameras

23/05/2007 Summary Report for Year to 31st March 2007

15/05/2007 Le Tour, London - Canterbury 7-8th July 2007

14/05/2007 JFMG News - May 2007

26/03/2007 DDR - What's next for PMSE?

15/03/2007 Now available – On-line Wireless Microphone bookings

6/03/2007 The Digital Dividend Review – Our response

6/03/2007 Auction could squeeze wireless camera frequencies

6/03/2007 Westminster e-forum on the DDR – What we really said…

2/03/2007 Westminster e-forum on the Digital Dividend Review

2/03/2007 Updated Spectrum Information Sheet (February 2007)

21/02/2007 Self help TV relays and digital switchover

2/02/2007 ADS Statement

29/01/2007 JFMG PMSE Forum on the Digital Dividend Review

10/01/2007 Ofcom statement on revised fees

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