News Archive

23/12/2010 JFMG visits the Burlesque premiere in Leicester Square

Last week, our Technical & Field Coordinator, Paddy O'Reilly, joined two members of Ofcom staff on a visit to the Burlesque premiere in London's Leicester Square.  Film premieres are typically a hot spot for wireless camera users and Burlesque was no different.  Ofcom was keen to follow up on previously reported issues with 2GHz camera frequencies which had caused interference to some of our licensed users. 

To find out more about the Burlesque visit, go to our Field Blog where Paddy talks more about the evening.

13/12/2010 JFMG supports geolocation as a means of managing WSD access to spectrum

Last month, Ofcom published a consultation that proposes how to successfully launch white space technology with reference to a "geolocation" database.

The consultation is of interest to PMSE because white space devices (WSDs) will be using interleaved spectrum that is already used by PMSE.  Our customers will be keen to make sure that they will not experience interference from WSDs.

JFMG supports geolocation as a means of managing WSD access to spectrum so long as the parameters and models of the database are robust enough to ensure PMSE assignments get the level of protection from interference that is needed.  Our response suggests some ways in which this might be achieved.  It also advocates European harmonisation of WSD standards to ensure that devices respond in the same way wherever they are, further minimising the risk of interference to PMSE.

Take a look to find out more...

25/11/2010 Major Event - Royal Wedding 29 April 2011

Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting married on Friday 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London.  This is set to be a big event with global media interest and we anticipate a significant demand for PMSE spectrum during the week leading up to the celebrations and on the day itself.  The frequency and location hotspots are yet to be determined but we expect demand to be high for talkback and wireless camera frequencies at key locations such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Parliament Square.

To ensure the most efficient and equitable use of spectrum, we will be treating the Royal Wedding as a Major Event and have temporarily suspended first come first served assignments across all our frequencies for this period.  Please send us your requirements directly, either by email or fax, and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.

Further details on our frequency plans for the Royal Wedding will be available soon on new 2011 Major Event pages on our website.

09/11/2010 New consultation published on white space technology

Ofcom has published a consultation that proposes how to successfully launch white space technology with reference to a "geolocation" database.  White space devices are to be permitted to operate unlicensed in the interleaved TV spectrum but only where they do not cause interference to existing licensed services such as Digital Terrestrial Television and PMSE.

The consultation addresses the detail of how "geolocation" databases would work and the white space devices themselves.  It will be of particular relevance to our customers keen to avoid interference to PMSE in the future.

The closing date for responses is 7 December 2010

08/11/2010 JFMG presents to an international audience!

Last week, JFMG held an event called 'An introduction to PMSE spectrum management in the UK' for a senior delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.  The delegation had approached JFMG directly to share ideas, processes and methods on how to effectively license and manage PMSE spectrum.  We were delighted to accept the invitation.

A small team of us gave a series of presentations that covered everything from JFMG's roles and responsibilities and operational processes to Digital Switchover and managing spectrum at a major event.  It was a very enjoyable day with the presentations prompting a number of questions and discussions.

18/10/2010 Remember to register your claim for funding!

If you think you are eligible for the funding the Government is providing to PMSE users to support the migration from channel 69 to channel 38, please remember to register your claim with Equiniti, the funding scheme administrator, before 31 December 2010.

You can register your claim online at www.pmsefunding.co.uk. Alternatively you can call Equiniti on 0800 011 3617 to request a hard copy claim form.

Ofcom published a statement in August 2010 explaining how the Government's funding package will work.

11/10/2010 Paddy O'Reilly talks about the Papal Visit

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the UK last month was an event like no other in terms of spectrum management.  The four day visit to Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Birmingham which included numerous meetings and events presented a host of broadcasting opportunities.  As a result demand for spectrum was high and JFMG treated the visit as a major event, coordinating the use of spectrum in each location.  To find out more about the intricacies of spectrum planning for such an event, visit our Field Blog where our Technical & Field Coordinator, Paddy O'Reilly, who was on-site in Scotland, talks about his experiences of the Papal Visit.

01/09/2010 JFMG's "Easy Guide" to PMSE Future Spectrum Access statement

Ofcom has published a statement setting out the details of future spectrum access for the PMSE sector.  This statement addresses four key outstanding issues that have arisen out of the Digital Dividend Review and subsequent band-manager consultations: spectrum availability, technical licensing conditions, spectrum fees and security of tenure.

Ofcom believes that its decisions will help the PMSE sector move to a market-based approach to spectrum without causing disruption to the services they provide and that these decisions will also ensure optimal use of spectrum and help avoid the risks of regulatory and market failure.

To direct our customers to the parts of the statement that will be of particular interest to them, JFMG has produced an “Easy Guide” summarising Ofcom’s decisions.  Click here to find out more.

19/08/2010 New management arrangements at JFMG

Paul Gill has decided to take on a new opportunity at our parent company, Arqiva, as a consultant and will therefore be standing down as Managing Director of JFMG.  For an interim period, Daniel Grimes will take on Paul’s day-to-day responsibilities alongside his current role as Operations Manager.  Daniel joined JFMG in November 2008 and has already made a great contribution to the company in driving operational efficiency and enhancing customer service.

The new management arrangements are effective immediately.  If you have any queries about these changes, please contact us in the usual way.

05/08/2010 PMSE funding package for the move from Ch69 to Ch38 explained

Last week, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced that the new Government is to provide a funding package to PMSE users to support the migration from Ch69 to Ch38.  Today, Ofcom has published a statement that explains how the Government’s funding package will work. 

Ofcom has appointed Equiniti as the PMSE funding scheme administrator.  To apply for funding users need to register their claim with Equiniti between 23 September 2010 and the end of December 2010.  For more information and to review the rate card to find out how much funding is available, please visit www.pmsefunding.co.uk or call Equiniti on 0800 011 3617.

PMSE users are moving out of Ch69 as a result of Ofcom’s decision to clear the 800 MHz band to match the spectrum being released in other European countries.  Ofcom has provided access to Ch38 as replacement spectrum to those affected.  The Government will give eligible PMSE users a contribution towards either the cost of modifying existing Ch69 equipment so it can be used in Ch38 or buying new equipment for Ch38. 

16/07/2010 Major Event – Pope Benedict XVI visits England and Scotland

07/07/2010 JFMG continues to exceed expectations: Some of our achievements 2009/10

Last week Ofcom published its 2009/10 annual report for the financial year to 31 March 2010.  JFMG not only met but exceeded all of its KPIs as required by the Ofcom contract.  For example, although Ofcom requires 100% of routine requests completed within 5 working days, in the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, JFMG completed 90% of routine requests within the same day and 97% within 24 hours.  This is just as well as more than 31% are needed by our customers within 24 hours.  Whilst this is all great news, JFMG’s successes go far beyond these numbers as we continue to strive to go the extra mile for our customers.  Read on to find out more.

First of all, during the year 2009/10 the popularity of JFMG’s online booking system has gone from strength to strength.  The significant increase in the number of bookings made online show that customer take-up has spread with many users preferring to make their bookings in this way.  Year on year, the average number of licence schedules has increased from 40% to 59%.  We have received great feedback from our customers too, with one commenting that, ‘It’s a pity not every country has such a good system to sort out radio frequencies and licences!’

Away from the office, our field team has been out and about meeting a wide variety of users in a lot of different locations.  Paddy O’Reilly, our Field Coordinator, has welcomed the new year in at the London Eye, cleaned the spectrum for the live 25^th Anniversary episode of EastEnders and tracked down an unlicensed intruder at this year’s London Marathon.  You can find out more about his experiences on our Field Blog.  On top of that, as we do every year, we have been working hard to coordinate spectrum at major events such as the Moto GP, Wimbledon and Glastonbury.

JFMG also continues to direct and manage users through the unprecedented changes that are happening in the PMSE industry as a result of the digital switchover.  We are ensuring that customers know what the migration out of Ch 69 means for them and fine-tuning our Ch 38 Look-up Tool with new maps so that users can easily see which frequencies are available.

Lastly, but by no means least, looking forward we have two exciting new tools in the pipeline that will improve the way we allocate frequencies even further.  One is an online events application tool and the other is a tour planner which will enable multi-venue users to see the whitespace that is available in the different areas they are operating in.   Watch this space to find out more

15/06/2010 Wireless microphone users to benefit from early exit of radio astronomy from Channel 38

Ofcom announced yesterday that radio astronomy would be moving out of Channel 38 three months earlier than planned, by 21 September 2011.  This will result in there being a significant improvement in Channel 38 availability for wireless microphone users earlier than Ofcom previously indicated.

Currently there are some areas where there is no Channel 38 outdoor availability for wireless microphone users so it is supplemented with additional spectrum in Channels 39 or 40 where available.  On 21 September 2011 Channel 38 becomes available UK-wide for indoor use and there will be a minimum of 5.6 MHz available UK-wide for outdoor use with full 7 MHz availability over much of the country.  View our Channel 38 maps to see how availability will change.

This milestone is part of the ongoing work to provide PMSE users with replacement spectrum as they move out of Channel 69.  Channel 69 is due it be cleared in the second half of 2012.

08/06/2010 JFMG moves to new premises

JFMG has moved to brand new offices close to Oxford Circus in London.  Our new address is:

UK House, 4th Floor
2-5 Great Titchfield Street
London W1D 1NN

Please use this address for all correspondence by letter.  Our telephone, fax number and email address all remain the same.  Please continue to contact us in the usual way.

19/05/2010 Upgrade for Channel 38 UK Wireless Microphone Licence - More spectrum for outdoor use

JFMG has undertaken a further assessment on how much spectrum is available for outdoor PMSE use in channel 38, and also in channels 39 and 40 in those areas where there are restrictions on the availability of channel 38.  As a result, we are now able to allow PMSE access to more frequencies in channels 38, 39 and 40 than was originally set out in the new channel 38 shared licence that users received at the beginning of the year.

All channel 38 licenses issued from 19 May 2010 will reflect this enhanced availability, as will our channel 38 look-up tool.  Ofcom is in the process of contacting all licensees who have been issued with a channel 38 shared licence to offer a free replacement.

The areas in this consultation that were of particular interest to PMSE included the level of protection for PMSE users from possible interference and the identification of PMSE as potential users of any auctioned spectrum.

JFMG believes that the best outcome for PMSE users is a combined award where DTT is the preferred application and PMSE use is enabled in the white spaces.  Our response highlights several considerations that need to be taken into account to make this work.  Take a look for further information.

30/04/2010 Unlicensed intruder evicted from PMSE spectrum

Earlier this week, a joint operation between Ofcom and JFMG field teams successfully closed down an intruder who had been operating unlicensed in PMSE spectrum.  The illegal use was identified following reports of severe disruption to a communications system deployed for coordinating at the London Marathon.

Close liaison between Ofcom, the affected customer and JFMG, resulted in the signals being traced to a high rooftop in the Whitechapel area of East London, some 7km from the start of the Marathon.

The illegal transmissions were immediately shut down and all the equipment, valued at around £2000, was seized.

23/04/2010 JFMG facilitates better access to channel 38

JFMG has been working with Ofcom to facilitate better access to channel 38 for PMSE users.  This has been achieved without compromising the level of protection for Radio Astronomy which is not due to move out of channel 38 until 2012. 

As a result, outdoor use of Channel 38 is now permitted in a wide range of places that were previously restricted to indoor use only.  These include Birmingham, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham in the Midlands, Sheffield, Leeds and Bradford in the North and Bedford in the South.  There is also improved indoor availability with Huddersfield and Blackburn now enjoying better access. 

Our updated shared licensing look-up tool can help you check the availability of channel 38 in your location.  This will also include, in the next few days, a gazetteer of towns and cities to add to our database of popular PMSE venues and locations.

JFMG will continue to closely monitor the changing whitespace environment so please look out for further news. 

19/04/2010  Major Event - General Election 2010

The long-awaited general election will take place on Thursday 6 May 2010.  We anticipate a significant increase in demand for PMSE spectrum around the election hot spots in London on this day and the day after.  These areas are Westminster, Downing Street and the headquarters of each of the three main political parties. 

To ensure the most efficient and equitable use of the key bands for wireless cameras, we have temporarily suspended first come first served assignments in 2GHz bands at these hot spots on 6 May and 7 May.  Please send us your requirements directly, either by email or fax, and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.  Other frequency bands for wireless cameras, talkback and wireless microphones will remain fully available for booking inhouse and online.

15/04/2010 Future availability of channel 69

In June 2009, Ofcom announced its decision to clear the 800 MHz band and release it for new services.  This meant that PMSE would have to move out of channel 69 and into replacement spectrum in channel 38.  Ofcom has now published the timings of when this will take place:

• PMSE users will keep access to channel 69 in all of the UK until at least 1 July 2012

• PMSE users will keep access to channel 69 in London, Northern Ireland and the northeast of England until at least 1 October 2012

• The final date for clearance of channel 69 will be decided in 2011 but will be no later than 31 December 2012.

JMFG will continue to work with customers to ensure that the move from channel 69 to channel 38 goes smoothly.

15/04/2010 Band Manager award deferred until after the Olympics

In December 2007 Ofcom announced its intention to award the frequencies currently managed by JFMG to a commercial band manager.  Following the subsequent consultations in July 2008 and June 2009, Ofcom has decided to postpone the band manager award until after the Olympics in 2012.  Minimising disruption for PMSE users and reducing the risks around the Olympics are the main reasons for this decision.

Ofcom still believes that band management is the best long-term approach for PMSE spectrum access and expects to resume work on the award after the Games.

Ofcom is now considering how best to manage the PMSE spectrum until then.  It will choose between continuing to outsource licensing or taking the function in-house and intends to announce the decision by July 2010.

06/04/2010 Major Incident - Service Update

Please be advised that the situation at the BT Exchange has now been resolved and that our main telephone and fax numbers are now working again.  Please contact us in the usual way.

01/04/2010 Major Incident - Service Update

Due to a major incident at a BT Exchange in West London our main telephone and fax numbers are not working. We are advised that they may remain out of service at least until Tuesday 6 April 2010. BT is currently unable to divert our numbers to our emergency back-up lines.

Office Tel:                     Please use 07050 177335
Office Fax:                    Not available.  Please email applications to admin@jfmg.co.uk or call us.
Out of Hours Tel:          Please use 07050 177335
Email:                           Fully operational
Website:                       Fully operational
Online Bookings:          Fully operational

02/03/2010 Communications Manager – Maternity cover appointment

Jo North has joined the JFMG team as Communications Manager.

Jo will be dealing with all company communications, both internal and external facing, whilst Amanda Houchen is on maternity leave.  Jo was previously at Accenture for 9 years and is an experienced communications professional.  Jo’s most recent role at Accenture was as Communications and High Technology Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, where she worked with several  prestigious communications companies.

Prior to this, Jo worked on some high profile campaigns including London’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012.