Ofcom Frees Up Spectrum

LONDON -- Government, its agencies and other public organisations including theMinistry of Defence (MoD) will be able to share, trade or release theirconsiderable radio spectrum holdings under new plans announced by Ofcom.

Ofcom expects the arrangements to free up some of the most valuablespectrum for new wireless services for the benefit of citizens andconsumers. This will enable the key public users such as the MoD totrade their spectrum holdings and acquire new spectrum in the market.

Public bodies use around half of the radio spectrum below 15 GHz - themost sought after and congested frequencies. An independent studypublished in 2005 estimated that the spectrum held by the public sectorcould have a market value of between £3bn and over £20bn.

The news is of particular significance to the MoD which holds about athird of the most sought-after public sector spectrum. The MoD hasalready committed to sharing and releasing a significant proportion ofits spectrum holdings and plans to consult on proposals in May 2008.

Ofcom will enable public spectrum trading by issuing new regulations andaims to consult on them in the summer. The Government will takeresponsibility to ensure that in trading and releasing public spectrum,defence, national security and public safety remains paramount.

Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said: "Public bodies and the MoDin particular hold some of the most valuable and sought-after radiospectrum. By working with these organisations we are enabling them totrade and release this spectrum which will create new opportunities forthe development of wireless services for the whole country."

Ofcom