13 December 2007
Ofcom has announced today further details of its plans for the radio spectrum to be freed-up by the UK digital TV switchover.
A "market-based" approach is to be taken by the industry regulator, which will see firms compete for spectrum via a series of auctions.
Extra provisions for next-generation broadband services, mobile phone TV stations, extra digital terrestrial TV channels and WiFi applications will all compete for the spectrum space.
All analogue TV signals will be turned off by the time the national digital transfer is complete in 2012
Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said: "The digital dividend will be one of the most significant and valuable spectrum releases in the UK for 20 years - our approach is designed to maximise these considerable benefits for UK citizens and consumers as a whole.
"We can expect the benefits of the digital dividend to include more choice, fresh competition and technological innovation."
Ofcom also said today that the next stage of its spectrum plans will be revealed next spring, when the results of its consultations on promoting competition - and cracking down on anti-competitive behaviour - among bidders are published.
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