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Airwaves to be auctioned off
Ofcom has launched an auction of the airwaves for new digital services that could be worth billions of pounds. The move paves the way for more digital TV channels and ultra-fast wireless broadband as the radio spectrum is freed up by the digital switchover.The auction will begin in 2009 and will result in a "digital dividend" for the UK according to Ofcom.
While the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV are all pressing for ring-fenced space to allow HD TV over Freeview Ofcom has said that the market forces via the auction will determine how the spectrum is used.
Speaking about the decision Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, said that choosing a "market-led approach" was "one of the most important decisions we have ever made".
The regulator has packaged the available spectrum into key uses but has said that it will not have to e used exclusively for these purposes.
The package areas are:
*National digital terrestrial TV in high or standard definition
*Cognitive radio - a new wireless technology which can deliver broadband
*High-speed mobile broadband and mobile TV
*Local television - 25 new local TV stations across the UK
A group known as HD for All, made up of UK terrestrial broadcasters and leading manufacturers, are trying to convince Ofcom to use reserve the freed-up spectrum for high definition TV services over Freeview.
However Ofcom believe that HD pictures will be able to be delivered over digital terrestrial TV without the need for an allocated spectrum.
The regulator cites technological advances and a new transmission standard called DVB-T2 that could allow this to happen by the end of 2009.
In response HD For All has now said it supports Ofcom's position and has agreed to deliver HD on Freeview by 2012.
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Published Date: 2007-12-14 11:33:02Subscribe to our RSS News feed:
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