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Economic Impact Of Radio '95 |
FOREWORD BY JIM NORTON - CHIEF EXECUTIVE RA
Our second study into the economic impact of the many and varied uses of the radio spectrum carries forward the ‘world first’ established by our study for the 1993/94 financial year. The UK is leading the way in analysing the detailed impact use of the radio spectrum has on the economy. This work adds substantially to the knowledge available in the crucial decision making process on spectrum allocation between contending uses and services. It complements directly the new powers sought in the ‘Spectrum Pricing’ legislation, introduced in Parliament on 20 May 1997, which aims to improve the effectiveness of the spectrum assignment process and promote more efficient use within spectrum allocations.
This report demonstrates the significant and sharply growing role of radio in wealth and employment creation in the UK today. The 11% per annum (real) GDP growth indicated is dramatic, but perhaps of even greater significance is the substantial role of radio in boosting competitiveness also illustrated. With major new services such as Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting(for both radio and television services) and Radio Fixed Access (to promote competition in local telecommunications) now being introduced, there is good reason to believe this growth will further accelerate.
This study is one of a number the Agency’s new Economics and Statistics Unit will be undertaking over the next year as part of its objective to include the economic dimension in our spectrum management work. So that it can continue to monitor the importance of this scarce and valuable resource, the unit intends to repeat this economic impact study every two years. Other studies currently undertaken include research into the demand for radio spectrum for a series of radio services over the next 10 years, thus enabling the Agency to become more responsive to the demands of business.
I hope you find this report both informative and helpful.
JIM NORTON
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