BEIRG News

Ofcom Technical Reports on Cleared Spectrum

Ofcom has published three reports supporting its proposals for the award of cleared spectrum in the UHF TV bands.
"These documents explain in detail why Ofcom believes that no guard band is needed between use of channel 69 for programme making and special events and new uses in adjacent cleared spectrum."
The documents can be found here.

Ofcom consultation on PMSE Band Manager

Ofcom has published the consultation on how it will appoint a band manager to look after "the spectrum needs of programme makers and special events (PMSE) organisers".
The consultation paper can be found here.
The proposals cover issues such as how the band manager will be chosen, how it will be overseen by Ofcom, and what spectrum will be available to it.
These are of course vital issues to users of PMSE spectrum, and anyone with concerns about the process should study the consultation and reply to it.
The closing date for the consultation is 16 October 2008.

Digital Dividend Review

Ofcom has published the second of its more detailed consultations on the 'digital dividend' spectrum in the UHF TV broadcasting bands after analogue switchoff.
The consultation paper and associated reference documents can be found here
In the introduction, Ofcom says "The third digital dividend consultation, covering spectrum particularly for use by Programme Makers and Special Events (used at theatres and outdoor events), will be published later in the summer."

Digital Dividend Review

Ofcom has published the first of its more detailed consultations on the 'digital dividend' spectrum in the UHF TV broadcasting bands after analogue switchoff.
The consultation paper and associated reference documents can be found here

2012 Olympics Consultation

Ofcom has published a summary of responses to its discussion document on spectrum planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games. The publication is not comprehensive because several of the responses have been withheld at the request of the responders.
The paper can be found here

Ofcom say they will consult on a draft spectrum plan later this year, following the Beijing Olympics.

Another OFCOM Study

OFCOM has engaged CSMG, a media and telecomms consulting firm, to analyse how wireless microphones, in-ear monitors and talkback systems can make efficient use of spectrum in the future.
CSMG are currently seeking input from users, manufacturers, industry experts and other stakeholders to understand what developments are technically and commercially possible and feasible.
OFCOM anticipates that the results of this analysis will be published during its forthcoming consultation on the detailed design of the Digital Dividend Review band-manager award.

New Member

We are glad to welcome AKG Acoustics GmbH as a new member of BEIRG.

BEIRG Presentation and Open Forum

THE STEERING GROUP OF THE
BRITISH ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY RADIO GROUP
INVITE YOU TO ATTEND A
PROGRESS PRESENTATION AND OPEN FORUM

At

Wyndham’s Theatre

Charing Cross Road – London – WC2H 0DA

On the 7th of April 2008

At 2.00PM

On

FUTURE RF SPECTRUM ACCESS IN THE UK
FOR THE PROGRAMME MAKING AND
SPECIAL EVENTS SECTOR
Wireless Microphones – In-Ear Monitors – Talk-Back Systems

WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED TO DATE?
WHY THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO.

This invite is open to all who will be affected by the implementation of Ofcom’s planned auction of radio spectrum planned for late 2008/early 2009.
(*Please feel free to pass on this invite to any other members of your company or
persons you know who will be affected by the reduction of access to spectrum)

To accept this invite please inform:

Ron Bonner.
Technical Resources Manager,
The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
Email: ron@plasa.org (preferred) or
Tel: 01323 525129

*Please supply full names and email addresses of all those you wish to include with your invite acceptance.

Ofcom Digital Dividend Statement

Ofcom have released their statement describing how they will release the spectrum freed as a result of analogue TV closedown.
As expected, they intend to take a market-based approach, but with the exception of PMSE:

"The exception to our market led approach is for PMSE, which already uses interleaved spectrum on a large scale. This is an extremely diverse community, and we do not think it would be able to take part effectively in an auction, creating a serious risk of market failure. We will therefore hold a beauty contest to award a package of interleaved spectrum to meet PMSE users’ needs."

The full statement can be downloaded from here.

Ofcom statement on DSO

Ofcom have released a brief statement about continued PMSE access to TV channels 63-68 as the first stages of analogue switchoff take place. The statement does not make any great concessions but says that PMSE may continue to use the channels "up to the point where new users need access to the spectrum."
The full statement is here.

New Ofcom Consultation on PMSE

Ofcom has published a consultation on future spectrum access for PMSE. This addresses some of the responses received to its recent Digital Dividend Review (DDR), and also raises some more general issues regarding management of the PMSE spectrum including that outside the TV broadcasting bands.
The new consultation is available here.

Ofcom Digital Dividend Review

Ofcom has published a summary of consultation responses to its Digital Dividend Review (DDR), which is available here.
It includes a review of the many submissions by PMSE users and is required reading for anyone interested in the future of PMSE spectrum.

New Members

Welcome to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and
MM Productions Ltd

DDR Consultation Closes

Ofcom's DDR Consultation period closed on 20th March. There were many responses, which can be found on the Ofcom web site here

Parliamentary Debate

An Adjournment Debate on the impact of the Ofcom DDR proposals upon PMSE took place in the House of Commons on 6th March. An account of the debate can be downloaded here