MPs back Ofcom stance on spectrum sale - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

BGonaSTICK · 19-05-07, 10:00 AM

An all-party committee of MPs is backing media regulator Ofcom's stance on the auctioning of spectrum liberated by digital switchover. An alliance of public service broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers is lobbying for spectrum to be set aside for high-definition broadcasts on the digital terrestrial platform. Without an intervention by ministers, the HD for All alliance says Freeview's future will be undermined.

MPs on the Commons media select committee heard evidence from across the industry and have concluded in their report, New Media and Creative Industries, that "a persuasive case has yet been made to justify reserving spectrum for high definition television following digital switchover".

The report says committee members "endorse Ofcom's approach in not favouring any particular technology or application in the framework being drawn up for re-allocation of spectrum under the digital dividend review (DDR). However, we do recognise the special case of the programme-making and special events (PMSE) sector which risks losing access to spectrum it has traditionally enjoyed as a result of switch-off and we believe that it is essential that an acceptable solution to their difficulties be found."

The report adds: "The DDR is complex and its outcome will have far-reaching consequences; we accept that Ofcom should not be pressured into taking hasty decisions. But it should bear in mind that delays in reaching decisions in the DDR process create uncertainty for all and can have adverse economic consequences for some. We shall be addressing the DDR further as our current inquiry into public service media content evolves."

Last month Ofcom CEO Ed Richards said the regulator would conduct more research into viewers' expectations of high-definition television before considering its response to a consultation on the future of liberated spectrum.

Jimdefruit · 19-05-07, 11:41 AM

If it had been down to the present lot of winkers, we would still be watching 415 line television.

19-05-07, 10:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 163 Times in 57 Posts	MPs back Ofcom stance on spectrum sale An all-party committee of MPs is backing media regulator Ofcom's stance on the auctioning of spectrum liberated by digital switchover. An alliance of public service broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers is lobbying for spectrum to be set aside for high-definition broadcasts on the digital terrestrial platform. Without an intervention by ministers, the HD for All alliance says Freeview's future will be undermined. MPs on the Commons media select committee heard evidence from across the industry and have concluded in their report, New Media and Creative Industries, that "a persuasive case has yet been made to justify reserving spectrum for high definition television following digital switchover". The report says committee members "endorse Ofcom's approach in not favouring any particular technology or application in the framework being drawn up for re-allocation of spectrum under the digital dividend review (DDR). However, we do recognise the special case of the programme-making and special events (PMSE) sector which risks losing access to spectrum it has traditionally enjoyed as a result of switch-off and we believe that it is essential that an acceptable solution to their difficulties be found." The report adds: "The DDR is complex and its outcome will have far-reaching consequences; we accept that Ofcom should not be pressured into taking hasty decisions. But it should bear in mind that delays in reaching decisions in the DDR process create uncertainty for all and can have adverse economic consequences for some. We shall be addressing the DDR further as our current inquiry into public service media content evolves." Last month Ofcom CEO Ed Richards said the regulator would conduct more research into viewers' expectations of high-definition television before considering its response to a consultation on the future of liberated spectrum. __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

19-05-07, 11:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jimdefruit Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,858 Thanks: 20 Thanked 221 Times in 187 Posts	Re: MPs back Ofcom stance on spectrum sale If it had been down to the present lot of winkers, we would still be watching 415 line television. __________________ Dreambox 800 HD; Dreambox 7000s + VBox + Channel Master 1.2 with 36v actuator CM120 feedhorn and Invacom .3 LNB Skystar 2 PCI card with links to my Dreamboxes If you like what you see here, tell your friends.