Spectrum Management for the Digital Age

Press Release - 12 December 2000

David Hendon, Chief Executive of the Radiocommunications Agency, welcomed the proposal in today's White Paper, A New Future for Communications, to create a new independent statutory regulatory body (OFCOM) for the digital age. OFCOM will be responsible for economic regulation, content regulation and spectrum management across the full range of communications services.

Speaking at the Agency's headquarters in Docklands, David Hendon said:

"Radio spectrum is an essential raw material for the information and communications revolution. The Agency's work in making spectrum available for new services is vital to innovation and growth. As the White Paper recognises, the Agency makes a substantial contribution to consumer benefits and the competitiveness of the UK economy. I am proud of the achievements of the Agency's staff and our international reputation as a progressive and effective spectrum manager.

I welcome the proposal to set up the new unified regulator, which opens a new chapter in spectrum management in the UK. We already work closely with the other communications regulators. But broadcasting, telecommunications and computing are fast converging. A single body with a broad range of expertise and vision will provide more effective, coherent and flexible regulation across the whole range of communications services and help make the UK the most dynamic and competitive market in the world. Wireless communication is at the heart of these exciting new developments and I am pleased that the Agency and its staff will be at the heart of the new regulator.

I look forward to working closely with the other communications regulators to prepare for the new organisation. Meanwhile, the Agency will continue to manage the radio spectrum to enable UK businesses and consumers to reap the full benefits of advances in communications. There should be a seamless transition as OFCOM, like the Agency, will have an obligation to manage the spectrum in the interests of all."

Notes for Editors

1. The Radiocommunications Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. It is responsible for managing most non-military radio spectrum in the UK and for representing the UK in international discussions on spectrum use.

2. The White Paper A New Future for Communications was published on 12 December 2000 (Cm5010) by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It sets out the Government's vision for the future of communications in Britain and its response to the new communications environment that is resulting from convergence of broadcasting, telecommunications and computing. Further information on convergence may be found in the White Paper itself and in the Agency's scenario report on the future of convergence (Mapping the Future of Convergence and Spectrum Management), which, together with a range of additional information about the Agency, may be found on the Agency's website (www.radio.gov.uk).

3. The White Paper contains a number of proposals, including the establishment a new regulator to combine the functions of OFTEL, the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority, the Broadcasting Standards Commission and the Radiocommunications Agency. It may be found at www.communicationswhitepaper.gov.uk. Comments are requested to be sent to consultation@communicationswhitepaper.gov.uk by 12 February 2001.

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