United Kingdom
Legal bases for PMSE use
Apply for a Radiocommunications Licence
Typical national spectrum use
APWPT News, April 2012
Plenty of spectrum activity in the UK with two currently open Ofcom UK consultations and the ripples continuing to spread following the developments around 700 MHz that resulted from WRC-12. Plans to auction the uniquely UK specific ‘lower cleared band’ 550 to 606 MHz have now been put on hold – as BEIRG had previously advised that they should be – in light of the emerging 700 MHz situation. There is little doubt that if they could, Ofcom UK would clear 694 to 790 MHz as soon as possible, however, there are many, many reasons why this would be extremely difficult to do – not least the re-planning of the entire UK DTT network.
Nevertheless, the direction of movement is clear, so if Broadcasters want to preserve their access to the 700 MHz band they will need to get any ‘resistance movement’ up and running as swiftly as possible. Broadcasters have, up to now, been largely silent in the debate on spectrum bands IV and V re-allocation, primarily because, up to now, they have been allocated enough to meet their requirements as part of the original digital dividend process. The 700 MHz situation changes that. The time has come for the broadcast sector to wake up and realise that, if we are not careful, the very future of the DTT platform is at stake.
There is now open debate as to whether the ‘inefficient’ high power high tower method of television delivery to citizens and consumers should be turned off – despite all of the public service broadcasting consequences that would derive from this. It is argued by some that, in a world where television can be received via satellite, cable or a good broadband connection, there is no need to be wasting all of the valuable prime resource on DTT when it could be put to better use being re-deployed for even more mobile broadband services. We may be years away from this situation coming to pass, but people should be under no illusion as to the destination that the aforementioned direction of travel is potentially taking us to. No DTT network translates into no whitespace. No whitespace, without the allocation of new frequency bands for PMSE, means no ability to build and deploy the large multi-channel wireless systems that the PMSE sector provides on a daily basis to support the cultural, political and sporting events to the standard of production that citizens and consumers currently take for granted.
In the meantime, while there still are whitespaces, companies and organisations other than the traditional mobile operators are looking to exploit them. Already in the US there has been some whitespace device (WSD) deployment and it would appear in the UK that the political will is there to provide a platform for their ‘release into the wild’ here. Ofcom UK are driving this agenda and have publically stated that they see these new devices coming onto the marketplace – and therefore into whitespace spectrum – as soon as 2014. There have been trials running in Cambridge and the UK PMSE sector finally managed to achieve some real world multi-channel wireless system trials, in the presence of some prototype whitespace devices, a few weeks ago. The results demonstrated what the PMSE sector has been trying to tell Ofcom UK for a very long time. Despite what the whitespace device community would have Governments and Regulators believe, the introduction of such devices into TV whitespaces will be far from simple, in particular when multiple devices are in operation. The PMSE sector’s representatives here in the UK will continue to ensure that emerging WSD and associated database standards are rigorously developed and maintained. Will the technical studies and testing contradict the policy objective to allow WSD deployment? Time will tell.
See also the BEIRG-Response to the "OFCOM Second consultation on coexistence of new services in the 800MHz band with digital terrestrial television"
A. M.
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APWPT News, October 2011
OFCOM UK Allows Re-Sale of Surrendered Channel 69 Equipment Back Into The 800 MHz band
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APWPT News, September 2011
The UK is currently unique in the world of PMSE. After a hard fought lobbying campaign called ‘Save Our Sound UK’, the UK Government eventually agreed that there should be a compensation scheme set up to aid licensed PMSE users in the transition from Channel 69 (854-862 MHz) to Channel 38 (606-614 MHz). UK regulator Ofcom was duly charged with designing and implementing this groundbreaking scheme. After discussions with several interested parties, a company called Equiniti was appointed to run the scheme. Equiniti had no previous experience of the PMSE sector, their core business being share dealing.
Much was made initially of how the UK was helping the PMSE sector with some of the costs associated with re-equipping with equipment capable of tuning to Channel 38 and the fact that the scheme was helping to ‘clear the band’ ahead of it being auctioned for the deployment of new 4G mobile broadband services.
Now, both of these aims are being seriously undermined by the decision to allow the re-sale of surrendered equipment. It has come to light that the contract between Ofcom and Equiniti contains a ‘gainshare’ clause whereby any proceeds from the re-sold equipment will be split between Equiniti and the UK Treasury. The split is believed to be 54% to back to the UK Taxpayer and 46% to Equiniti. This, despite several meetings between PMSE sector representatives and Ofcom where the eventual fate of the equipment was discussed with no clear answers being given by Ofcom. The fact that the gainshare clause was in the contract, which the PMSE sector were not permitted to view, proves that the plan was to re-sell the equipment all along. This directly contradicts previous Ofcom public statements about how the scheme was ‘clearing the band’.
Essentially, the UK Government agreed, taxpayer funded scheme, has now been turned on its head by allowing the re-sale of surrendered equipment at well below market rates. This will not only threaten the livelihoods of many PMSE users but additionally re-pollutes the 800 MHz band with equipment. Anyone buying this equipment will have a responsibility to de-commission or dispose of the equipment by the 1st October 2012. The UK PMSE sector seriously doubts whether Ofcom has the time, will and the resources to ensure that this will actually happen.
At time of writing the UK Parliament is in recess for the Party Conference Season. When the Members of Parliament return to Westminster, the PMSE sector will be quick to register their displeasure of this decision.
For others around the world who are currently discussing any potential compensation packages, let this be a lesson in making sure that the authorities are brought to book on what exactly will happen to any surrendered PMSE equipment.
A. M.
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Ofcom Update, 18th October 2010
The Spectrum Plan for the London 2012 Games: An Update
"
Wireless microphones and in-ear monitors
1.9 In the Statement we said that most wireless microphones will only operate in UHF Bands IV and V (470-862 MHz, channels 21 to 69). The cleared spectrum available as a result of Digital Switch Over (DSO) to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), including the 800 MHz band, lies in this range and will be available for the London 2012 Games.
1.10 Our assumption that sufficient spectrum will be available for wireless microphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs) is based on our knowledge of available technologies and the density with which wireless microphones and IEMs can be deployed. We have conducted further technical investigations.. to test and confirm our assumptions about what will be feasible and remain confident that the spectrum available will be adequate to meet peak demand for wireless microphones and IEMs. However, we note that there may be a requirement for wireless CATV during the Games, which is currently expected to need 4 x 8 MHz channels. The channels needed for wireless CATV, wireless microphones and IEMs will need to be identified and their assignment prioritised to ensure that sufficient spectrum at times of peak demand for all these uses is available within the finite resources of UHF Bands IV and V.
"
Special page on Olypics:
The Spectrum Plan for the London 2012 Games: An Update
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Ofcom Update, 14th June 2010
Earlier UK-wide availability of channel 38 for wireless microphones
"
Ofcom has today announced that channel 38 will effectively be available for both indoor and outdoor use by wireless microphones across the UK from 21 September 2011 - more than three months earlier than previously indicated.
Channel 38 is already available for wireless-microphone use in most of the UK. Ofcom has been able to accelerate its full availability through agreement with UK radioastronomers and as a result of ongoing technical work to facilitate digital switchover.
This additional period of UK-wide channel 38 access will help the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector in its move from channel 69, which must be cleared during the second half of 2012.
"
See also:
New licensing arrangements for wireless microphone users
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UK national Table of Frequency Allocation:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/isu/ukfat/ukfat08.pdf
Note:
Radio Microphones can be found on page 197
Wireless Audio can be found on page 198
Special page on Olypics: Spectrum Planning for London 2012
National government address
Regulatory body:
Ofcom
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7981 3040 or +44 (0) 300 123 3333.
Switchboard: +44 (0) 20 7981 3000 or +44 (0) 300 123 3000
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7981 3333
New licensing arrangements for microphones
BEIRG: (22. February 2011)
BEIRG & OFCOM URGE USERS TO VALIDATE CLAIMS
Wireless equipment owners, who have submitted claims under the 800MHz Funding Scheme, are being urged to ensure that claims are all complete, and accompanied by the relevant proof of ownership information, before the 2nd of April 2011, which is the final deadline for all submissions.
Find more at BEIRG Homepage
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Ofcom firms up on Channel 69,
Postpones Band Manager Award & Sets Out It’s Intention To Proceed With Proposals To Streamline The Spectrum Trading Process
In two interim statements issued on 15th April 2010, UK spectrum regulator Ofcom has sought to bring clarity to one aspect of future PMSE spectrum availability, has kicked the band Manager award into the long grass and has announced it’s intention to simplify the spectrum trading process.
Future availability of channel 69
In June 2009, Ofcom announced its decision to clear the 800 MHz band and release it for new services. This meant that PMSE would have to move out of channel 69 and into replacement spectrum in channel 38. Ofcom has now published the timings of when this will take place:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bandmanager09/statement/
In summary:
PMSE users will keep access to channel 69 across all of the UK until at least 1 July 2012.
PMSE users will keep access to channel 69 in London, Northern Ireland and the northeast of England until at least 1 October 2012.
The final date for clearance of channel 69 will be decided in 2011 but will be no later than 31 December 2012.
Band manager award deferred until after the Olympics
In December 2007 Ofcom announced its intention to award the frequencies currently managed by JFMG to a commercial band manager. Following the subsequent consultations in July 2008 and June 2009, Ofcom has decided to postpone the band-manager award until after the Olympics in 2012. Minimising disruption for PMSE users and reducing the risks around the Olympics are the main reasons for this decision.
Ofcom still believes that band management is the best long-term approach for PMSE spectrum access and expects to resume work on the award after the Games.
Ofcom is now considering how best to manage the PMSE spectrum until then. It will choose between continuing to outsource licensing or taking the function in-house and intends to announce the decision by July 2010.
Simplifying spectrum trading: interim statement on reforming the spectrum trading process and introducing spectrum leasing
This sets out Ofcom’s decision in principle to proceed with its proposals to streamline the spectrum trading process to make the spectrum market more dynamic and efficient. This includes introducing spectrum leasing, simplifying the process for time-limited transfers of licences and simplifying the transfer process by removing the need to obtain Ofcom’s consent for most proposed trades.
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/simplify/statement/
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Ofcom update: New licensing arrangements for wireless microphone users (16th December 2009)
Ofcom today announced it is revising licensing arrangements for wireless microphone users. From 4 January 2010, channel 38 will become available on a shared use basis. This means that equipment used in different locations can be covered by the same licence, reducing costs and bureaucracy, particularly for those who travel with their equipment. It will also give confidence to those looking to invest in new equipment that uses this channel.
More information is available at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumer/2009/12/new-licensing-arrangements-for-wireless-microphone-users/
For more information visit www.ofcom.org.uk
Present national discussion on PMSE
Digital Dividend at 600 MHz
Ofcom today a consultation on the potential uses of the 600 MHz band and geographic interleaved spectrum. This information will help Ofcom develop proposals on how best to make the spectrum available.
The consultation can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/600mhz_geographic/
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BEIRG, 11th September 2009:
Response to DDR Funding Consultation
BEIRG has published its response to OFCOM's consultation on funding of PMSE equipment that will be displaced from its current frequency bands.
You can download a copy here
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Ofcom, September 2009:
Digital dividend: band manager award – second consultation on detailed award design
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bandmanager09/bandmanager09.pdf
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BEIRG: Ofcom - Clearing the 800MHz Band
(30th June 2009)
Ofcom has published a Statement on how it intends to clear existing users from the 800MHz band as part of DSO. Section 5 covers in detail the arrangements for PMSE to be moved from ch.69 to ch.38.
The document is available here.
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APWPT Response to consultation ‘Clearing the 800 MHz band’
(20th April 2009)
Get the document here (english)
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Ofcom Consultation affecting Ch.69 (Source: BEIRG)
Ofcom has published its consultation on the clearing of the 800MHz band after DSO. This process requires the removal of PMSE from channel 69. Various alternatives are discussed for substitute PMSE spectrum, with the preferred option being channel 38. The costs of replacing equipment are also discussed.
The closing date for the consultation is 20 April 2009.
The consultation paper can be found here
This document is concerned with how Ofcom will clear the frequencies 790-862 MHz - in particular TV bands 61, 62 and 69 which are currently allocated for DTT (61 and 62) and nationwide PMSE (69). This will widen the originally proposed 'upper cleared band' - TV bands 63 to 68 inclusive. The decision to clear these additional TV channels will mean that the entire band will fall into line with the IMT community's desire to establish 790-862 MHz as a pan-European band - most likely for mobile broadband services though other uses are also technically possible. It will however, be highly disruptive to the PMSE community.
1) PMSE access to TV band 69 nationwide will no longer be permitted by the end of 2012/early 2013
2) PMSE access to TV bands 61 thru 68 on an interleaved basis will no longer be permitted by the end of 2012/early 2013
The consultation document suggests that TV band 38 will be the probable replacement for TV band 69 but this has yet to be confirmed. This leaves the PMSE community in a very difficult position. It has essentially been given notice to quit but has not been given a formal change of address card.
There are ongoing discussions regarding a possible funding scheme to assist the PMSE community with the financial costs involved with the migration from TV band 69. However, no firm plans are yet in place and what has been suggested in the consultation document falls way short of what will be required. Additionally, Ofcom have stated in the consultation document that any TV band 69 PMSE equipment or licences purchased after the publication date of the consultation document will not qualify for any funding assistance. There are no current plans to offer funding to PMSE users who have equipment that operates outside of TV band 69. 2009 looks set to be the critical year in determining the quality, quantity and costs of spectrum access that will be afforded and applied to the PMSE community for the next ten years at least.
The BEIRG (British Entertainment Industry Radio Group) steering committee will meet on 19th March to begin the process of putting a formal response together to this consultation.
The OFCOM consultation paper can be found here
Note: This consulation has been closed
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Digital Dividend Review:
Future Spectrum Access
Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) Pro User Group:
* Consultation Submission (March 2007)
* Consultation Submission (August 2007)
British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG):
* Too soon. To little
* Response to DDR Regulatory Statement
Band manager award
British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG):
*Response to consultation on detailed award design
Geographic interleaved awards 470 - 550 MHz and 630 - 790 MHz
British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG):
* Response to consultation on detailed award design
550-630 MHz and 790-854 MHz
British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG):
* Response to consultation on detailed award design
National studies
Ofcom have published in the '2011 Reports' a section on '4G Capacity Gains':
(May 2011)
"
This project aimed to identify the best available information on the relative increase in capacity for 4G systems relative to 3G, while carefully identifying the technical and demand factors which create variability in the results. The study largely consisted of desk research, collating and synthesising data on simulations, prototype trials and early deployments into a single report, available for download below. The project team additionally conducted a number of interviews with network equipment manufacturers and mobile network operators.
"
Find the WEB page here
Read also:
Final Report - Main Body
Final Report - Appendices
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Ofcom have published in February another consultants' study into the future of PMSE, entitled "The Potential for More Efficient Use of Spectrum by Radio Microphones".
It can be downloaded from here:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ddr/documents/wirelessmics.pdf
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Ofcom published in January an independent technical report by ERA Technology.
This gives measurements and modelling results concerning the potential for cognitive radio devices to operate on a licence-exempt basis in the spectrum used by digital terrestrial television and other wireless applications. The full report can be found here
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ddr/documents/eracog.pdf
Note
The content for this national page will be collected by Alan March
Send your input to alan.march@apwpt.org
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