New radio microphone spectrum disputed

Claims by Ofcom that immediate access is available to a new radio channel for Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) users have been disputed by the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG). Concerns had already been raised by the arts sector that the redistribution of the radio spectrum, which is intended to clear the 800MHz band for new services including mobile broadband, would threaten the use of radio mics for large-scale and outdoor arts events. Current plans involve moving radio mic use from channel 69 (located on the 800MHz band) to channel 38 (on the 600MHz band). Speaking to AP, a spokesperson from Ofcom said that, contrary to the understanding of industry bodies, channel 38 is currently available all over the UK, in advance of the digital switchover in 2012. It is currently used to a limited extent for radio astronomy in Cheshire and Cambridgeshire. However, Duncan Bell of BEIRG says this is misleading, and that the only way the industry can access channel 38 “is to buy a licence for that particular hour, for that particular day. It’s not a viable solution in the short term. It’s prohibitively costly and completely impracticable”.

A further concern is that equipment in use by PMSE organisations will become obsolete when the switchover takes place. Ofcom has estimated the cost of replacing it at between £5m and £18m. Funding will be made available to compensate PMSE users, with the money coming either from Government or from the licensees who will be using the spectrum. Details on how organisations might gain access to this funding, which will be calculated according to cost and depreciation criteria, have not been finalised. Bell said that “the important thing for us to establish and for Ofcom to recognise is the criteria on which the basis of the funding is applied”. He added that there is a “difference between commercial asset value and depreciation policies from one company to the next,” and that “the ongoing availability for a piece of equipment to earn its own money in a rental environment” should also be taken into account. Ofcom has opened a public consultation on plans to make an alternative spectrum available, which closes on 20 April.
w: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult