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Executive summary

Introduction

1.1 This statement sets out our decision to clear the 800 MHz band – 790-862 MHz, channels 61 to 69 in UHF Bands IV and V – of existing and previously planned users and align the upper band of the UK’s digital dividend with the spectrum being identified for release by an increasing number of other European countries. It also sets out the high level principles for how we intend to clear those existing and previously planned users – digital terrestrial television (DTT) and programme-making and special events (PMSE) – from channels 61, 62 and 69.

1.2 The UK has been at the forefront within Europe in planning for and realising a digital dividend. In 2003, before Ofcom came into existence, the UK Government decided to release 112 MHz of this valuable spectrum when digital switchover (DSO) was complete. The plan then developed envisaged this dividend would comprise two distinct bands of spectrum:

• a smaller, upper band of 48 MHz at 806-854 MHz (channels 63-68); and
• a larger, lower band of 64 MHz at 550-630 MHz (channels 31-35, 37 and 39-40).

1.3 We have subsequently cleared aeronautical radar from channel 36 and plan to clear UK radioastronomy from channel 38 in 2012. This will extend the lower band to include the whole of 550-630 MHz (channels 31-40) and increase the total amount of cleared spectrum in the digital dividend to 128 MHz.

1.4 Between 2006 and 2007, our Digital Dividend Review (DDR) consulted on and set a clear strategy for the way in which we would release this spectrum. We concluded that by taking a market led approach and creating freedom and flexibility for users to make decisions about spectrum use, we were most likely to achieve our objective of maximising the total value to society that use of the digital dividend is likely to generate over time.

1.5 Other European countries are now setting out plans for their own digital dividends. The way in which they do this has important implications for us. In particular, the plans emerging across Europe have identified a larger (upper) band of spectrum than originally planned in the UK, comprising 72 MHz at 790-862 MHz (channels 61-69), also known as the 800 MHz band.

1.6 To date, Finland, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Denmark have decided to release the whole of the 800 MHz band, with others likely to follow. The reason behind this move is that this spectrum is likely to be particularly suitable for the provision of a new generation of mobile broadband services.

1.7 The fundamental question therefore facing the UK is whether we should align more of the spectrum being released as part of our digital dividend with the spectrum being released by an increasing number of other European countries.

1.8 The way in which we have approached this question is to consider options for clearing the spectrum, weigh up the costs and benefits of each and then decide which option is likely to generate the greatest value for UK citizens and consumers over time.

The full document is available below

• Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band [pdf]
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