The Digital Dividend Review consultation was announced on 19 December and today, as promised we’ve published an “easy” guide to the proposals that could affect programme makers.

In addition we can also announce the launch of a new interactive DDR Check tool. Simply enter the frequencies or Channel that you use within the UHF spectrum (470 – 862 MHz), and the tool will tell you in basic terms the proposal that could affect you.

19/12/2006 Ofcom publishes the long-awaited DDR consultation

Today sees the long-awaited publication of Ofcom’s Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultation document. The consultation details Ofcom’s proposals for the UHF spectrum (470 – 862 MHz) that will be released as a result of the UK’s switch from Analogue to Digital Television.

The spectrum is currently vital for programme makers so we would urge you to fully familiarise yourself with the documents’ contents.

Proposals of particular interest to programme makers are as follows:

Channel 69 to become licence exempt
Channels 31-37, 39-40 and 63-68 to be cleared of PMSE use ready for auction
Channel 38 – no change
Channels 21-30 and 41-62 to be packaged for auction enabling programme makers to bid for continued access (with a guarantee for PMSE until 2012).

The consultation document is lengthy so we intend to help customers by publishing our “Essential Guide to the DDR” shortly.

13/12/2006 Technology – New Appointment

Simon Eley has joined the JFMG team as a Principal Engineer.

The filling of this post means that we now have our full complement of staff. Simon’s appointment ensures that JFMG has greater technical skills and knowledge to adapt to the many spectrum management challenges ahead. These include contributing to the current 2GHz auction consultation and dealing with the outcome of the Digital Dividend Review and Digital Switchover. Simon will also be getting to grips with the RF requirements for the Open Golf and the Tour de France, which next year comes to south east England.

Simon is a Chartered Engineer and joins us from the spectrum planning team at National Grid Wireless. He previously worked for the BBC and the Radiocommunications Agency and brings experience from both the Broadcasting and Programme Making industries.

12/12/2006 Auction of ex-PMSE Spectrum Announced

Ofcom has just published its programme to award “unused or under-used spectrum” at 2500 – 2690 MHz". In fact the 2.5 GHz band has been the key resource supporting programme makers’ video links and wireless cameras for more than 20 years and is still heavily used today. Programme makers were given notice to quit the band in 2002 after a World Radio Conference earmarked the spectrum for third generation (3G) cellular mobile.

Also on offer are the bands 2015 – 2025 MHz and 2290 – 2302 MHz which are immediately adjacent to programme makers’ spectrum. The inappropriate take-up of which, could jeopardise programme makers’ operations. In our response to the consultation, JFMG will be re-iterating the findings of our recent wireless camera tests to illustrate the serious risk of interference from new services.

24/11/2006 Alternative frequencies for VHF microphones found

Our last update on VHF wireless microphones confirmed that frequencies between 211 – 217 MHz would cease to be available after 31 December 2007. This move will make way for more Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in the UK.

In the same update we explained that we were working with Ofcom to identify replacement spectrum for displaced users and that we would update you with developments as soon as they became available.

We are now in a position to announce that replacement VHF spectrum has been identified and that the new frequencies will become available with immediate effect. Our Band III channel plan provides full details of the new allocations.

The amount of spectrum available for VHF wireless microphones remains the same, although the new set of channels is adjacent to an existing set.

Licensees are currently being contacted separately by letter (UK Shared, Coordinated) with full details of how the migration to these new frequencies will work.

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20/11/2006 How Green are today’s Digital Wireless Cameras?

Wireless Camera tests in progress:L-R: John Levett, JFMG; Richard Penman, BBC;Stewart Kelly, BBC; Mark Waddell, BBC

With demand for digital wireless cameras increasing and the available pool of spectrum decreasing, congested frequency space is inevitable. JFMG has been investigating some aspects of digital wireless camera performance not normally found in the brochures.

Take a look at our article to learn more.

8/11/2006 Now available – On-line Wireless Camera bookings

In earlier news updates we promised you that JFMG would be introducing more on-line services in the coming months – and so we have. Just last month we introduced our on-line Wireless Camera booking system. The facility provides customers with the ability to book wireless camera assignments in the 2.2 GHz band without contacting us to progress an application. You simply check spectrum availability at your location, select a frequency and either charge it to your credit/debit card or use pre-paid tokens.

If you’re an existing licensee with login details why not visit the area now via the 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 the booking tool, or if you would like to give feedback on your experience of using this service, please email us at admin@jfmg.co.uk.

20/10/2006 Continuity for PMSE Spectrum Management

JFMG is delighted to announce that we have now reached agreement with Ofcom to continue to manage programme making and special events spectrum for the next two years.

The industry is facing unprecedented changes to spectrum allocations and the agreement allows us to provide much needed stability during this challenging period.

A more detailed article is available in our October Newsletter.

5/10/2006 VHF (209 – 217 MHz) - the story so far.

Since our last news item on VHF spectrum Ofcom has updated the Spectrum Information Sheet which provides further details on the frequencies affected by the implementation of further Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in the UK.

We are now able to clarify exactly which frequencies will cease to be available to PMSE after 31 December 2007. Our diagram, available here, illustrates that only frequencies between 211 – 217 MHz will need to vacate the band.

We are currently working with Ofcom to determine a channel plan that will provide alternative VHF spectrum for displaced radio microphone users. Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

27/9/2006 JFMG champions cooperation with Digital Television Operators

Programme makers depend on the “white space” in the UHF TV Bands, otherwise known as interleaved spectrum for their wireless microphones. To ensure a smooth transition we believe it is vital for the Digital TV Operators to take this into account during the switchover period.

A recent Ofcom consultation, “Switchover - related Changes to DTT Licences” asks for input on the terms and conditions to be included in the licences issued to Digital TV Operators during Switchover.

We have responded to the consultation suggesting text, that if adopted should ensure co-ordination and cooperation with programme making, entertainment and related activities.

20/9/2006 NO ENTRY to UHF Auction for Programme Makers

JFMG’s Philip Harris (left) and Paul Gill at Ofcom’s auction workshop

Ofcom’s auction of UHF spectrum in 400 MHz band is now underway. Bidders are required to have submitted their initial deposit of £25,000 on 14th September.

JFMG developed a viable business plan to participate in the auction and then attended a technical workshop at Ofcom to explore how programme makers could share with the military user.
After careful evaluation of Ofcom’s licensing conditions, JFMG concluded that they are only suited to permanent pre-planned networks. This is not compatible with programme makers’ operational requirements and so JFMG has now reluctantly withdrawn from the auction.

Successful bidders will be announced in October.

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15/9/2006 Ofcom’s consultation on Fees closes

Today sees the end of Ofcom’s ‘Modifications to Spectrum Pricing’ consultation. For a reminder of the proposals click here for our quick guide. We have now submitted our response.

Ofcom will consider the responses with an aim to publish a further statement regarding next steps towards the end of this year/beginning of next. Any changes to PMSE fees as a result of Ofcom’s policy decision will not come into force until at least the first quarter of 2007. Watch this space for further updates.

6/9/2006 Spectrum Information Sheet

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.

Subjects of particular interest in this update are concerned with Digital Switchover timings and the provision of more specific information regarding frequencies affected by the introduction of DAB in Band III (174- 217MHz).

24/8/2006 Launch of on-line location planner for UHF wireless microphones

Yes that’s right, the days of calling us to check safe-to-use frequencies for wireless microphones and monitors in the 470-854 MHz band could be over.

The launch of our enhanced UHF mic planning tool on the website means that users can now do their own planning on what frequencies can be used at a location. All you have to do is indicate the location where you want to use your kit and the rest is done for you. Popular locations can be picked from our growing list or you can simply type in the post code or even an Ordnance Survey grid reference.

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.

The mic planning tool is just one of our on-line initiatives, so watch this space for news of our other services soon to go live.

16/8/2006 Further Extension of ADS Trial

Ofcom has announced that the trial licensing period for Audio Distribution Systems (ADS) has been extended until 30 June 2007.

This will provide Ofcom with sufficient time in which to fully consider responses to the consultation that closed on 5 July 2006 and fully formulate policy on any permanent regime. For our contribution see JFMG Response.

We are pleased to continue licensing ADS on Ofcom’s behalf for the remainder of the trial, the end date of which will be subject to regular review.

3/8/2006 VHF Frequencies Withdrawn from Programme Makers

Ofcom has instructed us to withdraw all Programme Making and Special Event (PMSE) use from the band 209 – 217 MHz by 31st December 2007. This is to clear the band for additional Digital Audio Broadcasting services (DAB). Ofcom expects to licence new DAB services from January 2008.

The band is used for a range of PMSE purposes including broadcasters’ programme links for news reporting and professional wireless microphones.

UK Wireless Microphone Licences
As some of the 15 frequencies that make up our UK-wide VHF Wireless Microphone licences are in this band, the option for a 2-year licence has been immediately withdrawn. The 1-year licence will continue to be available until 1st January 2007.

Although frequencies below 209 MHz do not have to be surrendered, they may not be useable due to interference from high-power DAB transmissions and so are at risk of change.

When a new set of frequencies has been agreed we hope to make a new 2-year licence available to programme makers.

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27/7/2006 PMSE use of Channel 36 goes unnoticed...

The Mobile and High Definition TV industries continue to lobby the DTI and Ofcom to allow an early launch of new digital services in Channel 36 (590 – 598 MHz).

The group are under the impression that the channel is empty except for one radar operator – NOT SO – There are in fact fifty-plus wireless microphone users who have had over 2000 assignments in the 8 MHz block in the past two years.

Usage consists of both short-term and annual use all over the UK, the most prominent uses being in theatres (both West-End and regional), stadiums, exhibition centres and TV studios.

The map illustrates that use has been made of Channel 36 throughout the country. However our records show that it is the West-End theatres that would suffer most if the plans for Mobile and HDTV are successful.

We continue to represent these concerns to Ofcom and provide them with the information they need to make a decision with regard Channel 36, as well as the UHF channels identified as part of the Digital Dividend Review

11/7/2006 Available Spectrum at 10 GHz

Ofcom is currently consulting on proposals to award 2 x 100 MHz of available spectrum at 10 GHz via auction in 2007.

PMSE already has access to 60 MHz of 10 GHz spectrum but Ofcom’s consultation identifies Programme making as a possible bidder to address capacity issues in lower bands for digital links. We are in the process of assessing whether this perceived interest is genuine and would welcome customers’ thoughts with regard the feasibility of Ofcom’s proposals.

We would welcome your input in helping us better understand the demand and development potential at 10 GHz so please email us at admin@jfmg.co.uk with your thoughts.

7/7/2006 Ofcom Consults On Revised Fees

Ofcom is consulting on proposals to introduce new prices for PMSE licences and frequency assignments issued on their behalf by JFMG.

The proposals are intended to recover the cost of managing PMSE and encourage the efficient use and management of spectrum.

The proposed 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.

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

Ofcom’s consultation document “Modifications to Spectrum Pricing” is also available. We will be submitting a response to the proposals, a copy of which will be posted on the “What’s New” page.

If you would like to contribute to the consultation the closing date for responses is 15 September 2006.

6/7/2006 Regional Radio Conference – A good outcome for PMSE?

The UK is hailing the outcome of the Regional Radio Conference (RRC-06) as a great success. Sure, the road towards an all-digital UHF TV network and additional VHF Digital Audio Broadcast services is now clear. But what does it really mean for the programme making and entertainment sector? Our briefing note aims to give a PMSE perspective on the prospects for future use of the 470 – 862 MHz band.

3/7/2006 Strategy - New Appointment

Amanda Houchen has joined the team as Strategy and Communications Manager

This new role will enhance our capability to lead the programme making industry through numerous changes in spectrum allocations and the introduction of market-methods of spectrum management.

Previously, Amanda led the Programme Making Team within Ofcom and has excellent knowledge of all the key spectrum and policy issues.

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30/6/2006 Operations - New Appointment

Des Vitalis has joined our team of Coordinators.

This additional post will enable us to maintain a high-quality and responsive service as demand continues to grow in the programme making sector at 10 - 12% each year.

Des is an experienced Coordinator who has returned to JFMG after successfully achieving another personal goal - a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

26/6/2006 Trial Licensing Scheme for Events under Review

Ofcom is seeking feedback on the experimental licensing scheme that enables the transmission of the referee's voice to spectators at sports events. JFMG has been issuing licences since June 2004 to operators providing this "Audio Distribution Service" (ADS). The trial is due to end on 31st August but permanent arrangements are being considered.

During the trial, another key application for ADS has emerged; the provision of descriptive services to enhance the experience of visually or hearing-impaired spectators.

JFMG supports the continued development of ADS at 62 MHz and also its extension to other frequency bands including 470 - 854 MHz. See our full response for more.
Ofcom's consultation closes on 5th July.

16/5/2006 The Race for Spectrum at 2.0 to 2.7GHz

Ofcom’s advisors presented their preliminary findings at today’s workshop on the award of 2010 - 2025MHz, 2290 - 2302MHz and 2500 - 2690MHz.

Runners and Riders
Although programme making was represented in the various presentations as having a likely interest in all of the three available bands, this was not reflected in the list of attendees for the event. Only BBC and JFMG appeared to be sporting programme making colours with the bulk of the field predictably dominated by the cellular mobile industry including the existing 3G operators Three, Orange, Vodafone, T-Mobile and 02. Also out in numbers, were the broadband wireless stable who are expected to have an interest in these bands.

Handicaps
In our contribution to the project, we have emphasised both technical and economic concerns about the award: - All three bands are adjacent to our existing allocations so the risk of interference from the deployment of new services needs to be carefully considered. Programme makers are already finding incompatibility with 3G cellular services on the band-edge at 2110 MHz. The award will potentially create similar problems at other band-edges such as 2025MHz, 2290MHz and 2500MHz. - The timing of the award disadvantages programme makers since there is currently no clarity on how they will access spectrum or on the costs they face beyond March 2007.

Walking the Course
The next phase of the project is to look in detail at the technical aspects of packaging the spectrum for award. This will include close examination of the perimeter fences to ensure that neighbouring property rights are protected. We have already identified various gaps in the fence that have been overlooked by the consultants and will continue to keep watch as this work progresses.

Race Card
Although scheduled for 2006/2007, Ofcom have indicated that the award of this spectrum is now unlikely to be made until 2007. Consequently, it has been agreed that existing programme making use in 2500 – 2690 MHz can continue into 2007 on a three-month rolling notice basis.

4/4/2006 First Steps in Auction of Wireless Camera and ENG Spectrum

Ofcom has taken its first steps towards the auction of spectrum which includes the 2500 - 2690 MHz band still preferred by programme makers for wireless cameras, Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and other video links.

At the World Radio Conference in 2000, this band was designated as additional spectrum to meet the expected expansion in demand for 3rd Generation (3G) mobile phones. Programme makers have been under formal notice of eviction since 2002 with a hand-back date of 31st December 2006. This has recently been extended (but only on a rolling three-month basis) into 2007. For more details see page 2 of Spectrum Information Sheet. With the arrival of Ofcom and its market methods, the band is no longer reserved for 3G phones and will be released on a technology and application neutral basis. This provides the opportunity for programme makers to re-acquire rights to use this spectrum. Also to be auctioned are bands at 2015 - 2025 MHz and 2290 - 2302 MHz which are immediately adjacent to programme makers' bands at 2025 - 2110 MHz and 2200 - 2290 MHz. All of these 2GHz bands are illustrated here. Consultants Mason Communications and Analysys have been appointed to advise on technical issues including spectrum arrangements, usage rights, licence terms, and the award process itself. The full terms of reference for this work are available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/awardspending/award_2010/.

3/4/2006 International Clash at Cardiff Avoided

In preparation for the Wales v France Six Nations match on 18th March, JFMG were on-site at the Millennium Stadium. Working closely with Ofcom's local team, all the frequencies used for match coverage were carefully checked including wireless cameras, wireless microphones, intercom, and talkback communications. Even the Transportable Satellite Earth Stations were visited to ensure that they were correctly authorised.

A number of potential discrepancies between licensed frequency and actual operating frequency were resolved before the equipment was deployed. Match coverage then proceeded without incident.

This successful visit was planned as a result of interference problems being reported from similar matches in previous tournaments.

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27/3/2006 Spectrum Information Sheet

The spectrum used for Programme Making & Special Events is currently facing a number of significant changes including: Digital TV Switchover; Auction of 1488 - 1491 MHz; Digital Audio Broadcasting and European Digital TV in 174 - 230 MHz; Auction of 2500 - 2690 MHz band.

An information sheet has been produced which aims to provide you with a brief description of these significant developments and how they could affect your use in future.

22/3/2006 Channels for Digital Links in 7 GHz Band

We are pleased to announce that a channel plan for digital links operating in the bands 7110 – 7250 MHz and 7300 – 7425 MHz has been provisionally agreed by Ofcom.

The plan provides 26 channels at 10 MHz spacing suitable for use with COFDM modulated links to the DVB-T specification each occupying 8 MHz. These digital channels will operate in parallel with the existing analogue allocations.

Use of the band above 7380 MHz must be coordinated with Ofcom through JFMG before use. This is necessary to avoid interference to some older fixed point to point links that operate very close to the edge of their band. Negotiations are continuing with Ofcom to see if areas can be identified where coordination would not be necessary. This requirement for coordination also applies to use of analogue FM TV links in this part of the band.

17/3/2006 The impact of Digital TV Switchover on PMSE

Ofcom has commissioned a new study to understand the impact that Digital TV Switchover will have on programme makers’ use of the UHF TV band 470 – 862 MHz. The study also aims to explore how programme makers’ requirements might constrain the development of this spectrum for new services such as additional terrestrial TV broadcasts.

This new study is being undertaken by consultants Scientific Generics and LS Telcom and follows on from previous work for Ofcom by Quotient and SSC in 2005.

16/3/2006 Cleaning-up at the NEC during Crufts

JFMG were on-site at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) last week to support all licensed users’ operations. This year’s premier dog show coincided with the X-Factor Live UK tour at the adjacent NEC Arena. The operation was planned in response to feedback from users at the 2005 show.

Working closely with Ofcom’s regional staff and with the full support of the event organisers, interference reports were investigated and unlicensed operations traced. This included licensed Ch69 users straying way off their permitted channels into Ch61. Ofcom are following-up.

9/3/2006 Digital audio links band to close in 2007

Ofcom has advised users that the 1488 - 1491 MHz band is to be finally withdrawn from programme makers on 31st March 2007. This is to clear the way for an auction in 2006/2007 of the spectrum between 1452 MHz and 1492 MHz.

The band is currently used for temporary digital links of ~700 kbit/s but it has been under threat for many years. Initially, it was to be reallocated for satellite delivery of Digital Audio Broadcasting (S-DAB). It now seems likely that that the band will be sought for terrestrial applications such as delivery of TV to mobile devices or for wireless internet access.

Programme makers can continue to use the band 1517 - 1525 MHz for digital or analogue audio links.

15/2/2006 Digital Dividend Review

Ofcom has launched its Digital Dividend Review with a seminar and workshop for stakeholders. The Digital Dividend refers to the new opportunities for use of spectrum that will result from closing down the analogue TV broadcast network in 2008 to 2012. A major consultancy study aims to advise Ofcom on the optimum approach for releasing spectrum to the market.

The production of broadcast TV and radio programmes, movie films, theatre and live music is dependent on spectrum for wireless audio applications. Today, these substantial and ever increasing requirements are successfully overlaid on the spectrum occupied by the terrestrial TV network. In a short presentation at the workshop, JFMG highlighted the scale of spectrum use currently interleaved in the TV bands and explored some options for programme makers after switchover. The presentation is available here.

10/1/2006 Digital Switch Over - Ofcom re-ordering of spectrum at 470 - 862 MHz

Ofcom has issued notice via a letter to PMSE users that the band 470 - 862 MHz will be re-ordered as a result of Digital Switch Over (DSO). Digital Switch Over will be the process beginning in 2008, whereby analogue TV stations will be closed region by region and be replaced by digital (DVB-T) transmissions. This will have a direct impact on future availability to PMSE users of this band and this risk must be taken into account when considering the purchase of equipment.

The full text of the letter can be downloaded from here.