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Digital Dividend Review and Digital TV Switchover
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.
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.
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.
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
-
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.
Timings16 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 - 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 area
- 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.
- 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)
- Auction to be held in Summer 2009
- But cleared spectrum will not be available for use in London until after the 2012 Olympic Games
- 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
- 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
- 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).
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:
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:
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:
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.
07/08/2008 The Impact of Digital Switchover for users of 470 – 862MHz
Long-term assignments
If you have annual assignments within the range 470 – 854MHz many of you will have already received a letter from Ofcom detailing your frequencies' likely availability after digital switchover. Phases 1 and 2 of the letters are complete and Phase 3 (London) will follow in the next couple of weeks.
Short-term assignments
If you often book temporary assignments within this band the restrictions within your schedule will now read: “This channel MAY NOT be available after DSO in 2012. Visit: www.jfmg.co.uk “.
You should read the Spectrum Information Sheet that explains the impact of DSO on your future use and visit our Wireless Microphone Spectrum – 2012 tool to see if the frequencies you book are likely to be available at the areas you regularly visit after 2012.
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.
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 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.
7/1/2008 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?
In the UK, the main threat to continued use of wireless microphones in white space spectrum was perceived to be from an auction and the deep pockets of mobile and broadband wireless sectors. But the successful representation of the industry through its Pro User Group has influenced a change of policy at Ofcom and wireless microphone users will not now face an auction. Instead, the spectrum will be awarded to a band manager by a beauty contest and wireless microphone users will have protected access until 2018.
But programme makers will not have exclusive use of this spectrum. In a policy twist that echoes developments in the US, Ofcom has opened the door for so-called smart radios to share this spectrum. Intended for consumer applications such as longer range WiFi in laptops, these cognitive radios generally use spectrum sensing and/or a geolocation database to avoid other users such as TV broadcasts and wireless microphones. Ofcom indicates that they will not require a licence and would operate alongside wireless microphones without any coordination.
Supporters claim that smart radio technology can actively seek-out the white space rendering administrative coordination and licensing unnecessary. But its opponents claim that the radios are not yet smart enough to detect other users such as wireless microphones. US broadcasters argue that the smart radios will interfere with television reception. Broadway theatres argue that they will be driven out of the spectrum they depend on.
The topic has been fiercely debated with more than 11,000 submissions to the Federal Communications Commission (The FCC is the US equivalent to Ofcom) on the topic since the idea was first published in 2004. Each claim and counter-claim bitterly argued in public without restraint through each side’s legal representatives. Eventually, the FCC carried-out tests on the new technology and found that it did not reliably detect other users. The manufacturers responded that the device used in tests was faulty. Further tests are now taking place.
Various devices have been put forward by major players including Philips, Motorola and Google. Accompanying their device, Google put forward a submission that refers to wireless microphones:
“Signals are simple narrowband and easy to detect”
“Wireless mic detection is not a subject of this demonstration”
It is clear from later in the presentation why “easy” detection is not demonstrated. The focus of the presentation is instead on how well wireless microphones are able to tolerate short bursts of interference. The graphs aim to show that shorter bursts of interference have less impact on the wireless microphone receiver. But is that purely a function of the signal-to-noise measurement? It is not possible to tell from the graphs what the audio output sounded like. And what happens in the case of multiple interferers?
As an aside, it is interesting to note that supporters of the technology appear to have little sympathy for any wireless microphone users in the US and much scorn for those, including theatres, that have no legal access to the spectrum. They say:
“The continuing use of wireless microphones, both legal and the much larger illegal use, is a barrier to any increase of the efficiency of UHF TV spectrum use.”
They go on to suggest that:
“ the Commission should seek to accommodate both the legal and illegal users in a band where they would have much less impact than the present de facto occupation of UHF TV spectrum.”
Fortunately Ofcom promises a cautious approach in its statement published on 13th December:
Early measurements made by the FCC suggest that such spectrum sensing is possible but careful certification might be needed. It may take some years to undertake the work necessary to gain appropriate international harmonisation.
... but we need to be mindful of the potential for cognitive access to have a negative impact on the future usability of interleaved spectrum when specifying the technical parameters for this use.
17/12/2007 Our "Easy Guide" to the Digital Dividend Review statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
26/03/2007 DDR – What’s next for PMSE?
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.
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 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…
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.
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.
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.
22/12/2006 JFMG’s “Easy Guide” to the Digital Dividend Review
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:
The consultation document is lengthy so we intend to help customers by publishing our “Essential Guide to the DDR” shortly.
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.
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.
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.