Securing spectrum access for live event managers and others

Ofcom has published new proposals on the long-term supply of radio spectrum for the users of wireless microphones and similar equipment.

Wireless microphones are widely used in a variety of ways including newsgathering, outside broadcasts, programme-making in studios, theatre productions and concerts, making important social, cultural and economic contributions to the UK economy.

For many years, the users of this equipment have accessed parts of spectrum within the frequencies used for terrestrial television broadcasting. Ofcom set out proposals for more flexible use of this spectrum in the Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consultation, published in December 2006. This included proposed measures to protect wireless microphone use given its status as an existing spectrum user.

In response to the DDR consultation, many wireless microphone users expressed concern about their ability to take part in an auction in order to secure long-term access to spectrum.

NEW PROPOSALS

The consultation published today provides more detailed options for future access by these spectrum users. The aim is to ensure that existing users continue to have access to the spectrum they need, while promoting the most efficient use of this finite resource for all citizens and consumers.

The consultation proposes that spectrum should be awarded to a band manager with the incentives and expertise to manage the spectrum efficiently for wireless microphone users and others.

The consultation sets out a number of options for achieving this. These include holding a 'beauty contest', or comparative selection process. This would involve Ofcom choosing an organisation to manage the use of the spectrum for these and other users. The licensee would pay fees reflecting the amount of spectrum they use, and have incentives to use it efficiently.

Another option is to award access to the spectrum by auction after a pre-qualification process that ensures bidders have the skills and expertise needed to manage the spectrum for users in this sector.

COMMUNITY USERS

The proposals published today are particularly relevant to the users of equipment who need professional standard 'co-ordinated' access in particular locations.

Ofcom has also confirmed that it will continue making spectrum available to the many organisations which use 'shared' frequencies that are available nationwide. These include many charities, religious bodies and community organisations.

Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: "Ofcom recognises the important social, cultural and economic contribution that professional programme-makers and wireless microphone users make to the UK. Our proposals are designed to ensure that this sector continues to have access to spectrum it needs to allow it to thrive while ensuring that this valuable and finite resource is used as efficiently as possible."

The consultation, which closes on 31 August 2007, can be found at:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pmse/