All Decisions on Entertainment Radio Frequencies after 2012 Olympics: Ofcom
Ofcom will make all decisions relating to the reallocation of broadband spectrum used by the entertainment industry after the 2012 London Olympics are done with.
Ofcom planned on the reallocation of spectrum currently named Program Makers & Special Event (PMSE) frequencies, which are used by the entertainment industry for radio microphones, etc. Towards the end of 2007, Ofcom decided to hire a ‘band manager’ to oversee the change to a ‘market-based approach’ to the spectrum. The manager would also have the unenviable task of freeing the frequencies that were being used by the entertainment crowd. However, after discussions, considering that
the Olympics are a little more than two years away, the regulator has announced its decision to not act on this until the sporting extravaganza is over.
The reallocation of the Digital Dividend spectrum that has been freed up after the end of analogue TV will also not be carried out till the completion of the 2012 Olympics.
Following the end of the games, the band manager would have complete freedom to rent out the spectrum to anyone, with the PMSE crowd getting priority. The band manager will be allowed to rent out the spectrum once the licence charge to bring the spectrum at par with the existing market rates has been paid.
While companies wanting a replacement kit to operate on new frequencies may look for financial assistance, Ofcom has stated that it can only finance the more efficient use of the spectrum; companies needing funding can look to the Treasury.
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