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Government Seeks Proposals on uses for Vacant Satellite Frequencies |
Press release - 28 August 1997
Vacant satellite frequencies suitable for broadcasting are the subject of a consultation document published today by the Radiocommunications Agency (RA).
The RA is asking for comments on possible uses for the UK's currently unused broadcasting satellite frequencies, five of which were originally used by British Satellite Broadcasting before its merger with Sky to form BSkyB. The remaining five were recently obtained through international co-ordination procedures.
The purpose of this consultation is to enable the Government to decide whether to proceed to issue an Invitation to Apply for a Licence. Genuine expressions of interest are therefore invited in taking up licences to make use of this available spectrum.
Commenting on the consultation document, Mrs Barbara Roche, Minster for Industry said: -
"These frequencies represent, potentially, a valuable resource. I am keen to ensure that UK operators have an opportunity to consider what use they can make of the assignments."
"Subject to our international treaty obligations, I do not propose to be restrictive about the possible uses of the spectrum and I look forward to the receipt of proposals that continue to build on the UK's leading role in the communications and information revolution and our strengths in grasping the opportunities presented by exciting new technologies."
The Government does not have any pre-determined view about the use of the frequencies though, if they were used for digital broadcasting, for example, they could deliver more than 100 programme services.
Notes for Editors:
1.The consultation document refers to the spectrum that was made available to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) for licensing Domestic Satellite Services in an orbital slot at 31 Degrees West. The frequencies include those taken up by British Satellite Broadcasting for its "squarial" service before it merged with Sky to form BSkyB. BSkyB subsequently vacated these slots and concentrated its transmissions on the Astra satellites at another orbital position.
2. As a result of recent changes in broadcasting legislation the spectrum that had been made available to the ITC has now reverted back to the Government.
3. The Consultation Document seeks expressions of serious interest in making use of the spectrum and asks for wider views on the possible use of the resource.
4. Depending on the outcome of the Consultation, the Government will decide whether to invite formal applications for a licence to make use of the spectrum and, if so, what form this may take. The document refers to the possibility of either a "beauty contest" on the basis of certain criteria or, subject to the passage through Parliament of the Wireless Telegraphy BW 1997, a spectrum auction.
5. Written comments should be sent to the Radiocommunications Agency by 30 September.
6. Additional copies of the consultation document can be obtained by contacting 020 7211 0322, or from the RA library.
Press Enquiries: 020 7215 5961
(Out of Hours: 020 7215 5600/5110)
Public Enquiries: 020 7215 5000
Textphone (for people with hearing impairments). 020 7215 6740
P/971558 |
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