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12|07|07

Opportunities to free up public sector spectrum for new uses

Ofcom today published proposals to enable public sector organisations to share, trade and release radio frequencies for new uses.

Frequencies allocated to the public sector, including the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the emergency services, amount to around half of all radio spectrum below 15GHz – the most sought-after and congested frequencies. Radio spectrum is a finite resource that underpins many essential services and modern communications. An independent study recently estimated that public sector spectrum holdings alone could have a market value of between £3bn and over £20bn.

The proposals announced today will provide public sector organisations with new opportunities to make the most efficient use of their frequencies, by allowing them to trade spectrum with commercial companies, while ensuring that national security and public safety remain paramount.

These proposals will start by introducing spectrum trading to the 406.1 - 430 MHz, 2.7 - 3.4 GHz and 3.4 - 3.6GHz bands. Over time, this will benefit citizens and consumers, with the potential launch of new services and technologies using this spectrum.

Ofcom’s Chief Executive, Ed Richards said: “Spectrum is a valuable resource and demand for it is increasing all the time. Giving public organisations new opportunities and incentives to make the most efficient use of this resource is just one part of a wide set of measures introduced by Ofcom to make sure that the UK’s spectrum is used to the maximum.”

The consultation which closes on 4 October 2007 can be found at:

www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/sfrps/

Ofcom intends to publish a further detailed consultation later in the year looking at how the process will be implemented.

Ends.

NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

1. The proposals are part of a broader initiative by the Government and Ofcom to secure the optimal use of radio spectrum through the application of market mechanisms. The Independent Audit of Spectrum Holdings, led by Professor Martin Cave, was published in December 2005 which recommended wide-ranging changes in several areas of spectrum management to increase its efficient use. These recommendations were accepted by the Government in March 2006 and are supported by Ofcom. Further details can be found at www.spectrumaudit.org.uk

2. A number of spectrum sharing trials have already taken place in the UK between wireless communication systems and radar bands that could be used for mobile communications, including wireless broadband.

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