The United States is not alone in considering what to do with spectrum previously used for analog TV broadcasting. Ofcom, the telecommunications regulator in the United Kingdom, address that issue in a recent “consultation.”
A “consultation” is roughly equivalent to a “Notice of Inquiry” or a “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” from the FCC.
Unlike in the United States, where TV white space is being considered for use by unlicensed wireless devices, the United Kingdom consultation suggested applications more in line with broadcasting. These include:
- New digital television services covering most of the United Kingdom, or a region or nation
- Television services covering a city or a local area
- Services in support of programming and special events
- The possibility of mobile television and mobile broadband.
Ofcom said that later phases would include the offering of white space spectrum in many different parts of the United Kingdom at the same time, through a “combined” award. This would allow bidders to put together blocks of spectrum so that they could offer new digital TV services across most of the United Kingdom, or a large part of the nation. Bidders could also acquire the spectrum to offer this service in a city or a network of cities. This award could be made in late 2009.
Another proposed phase would be the offering of white space spectrum that might be suitable for local TV services in a wide variety of locations, depending on demand. These awards could take place roughly one year ahead of switchover in each region, with the last award in 2011.
Full information is available at www.ofcom.org.uk. Information on this most recent action is available from the Web article Digital Dividend—New Opportunities for Local Services.
