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 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.

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."

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

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.

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.

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

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 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 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.

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 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.

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

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

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

BEIRG continues to expand. Welcome to the four new members!

The Ofcom Consultation is complex and can be confusing for users who are not directly involved with spectrum management. We have published a guide to assist anyone who is concerned about the loss of radio frequencies in drafting their response to the Consultation. You will find it here

BEIRG's membership continues to expand, with our latest members Callum Bulmer and Presteigne Broadcast Hire. Welcome!

BEIRG will hold a Progress Presentation and Open Forum on Ofcom's Digital Dividend Review (DDR), on 26th February.
If you are unsure of the implications of Ofcom's Digital Dividend then this event is not to be missed. This is an chance to understand the progress of BEIRG in fighting the DDR so far, learn about the intense political lobbying being carried out on your behalf, and what we all need to do to increase the pressure on Ofcom and persuade them that their plans for the radio spectrum disposal is flawed. This industry needs to be seen as one and this is an opportunity for all aspects of professional sound to join in the process.
You can download an invitation here

The threat to the entertainment industry posed by Ofcom's intention of selling off radio spectrum used for radio microphones and talkback carries serious implications for the future employment of actors. It is natural therefore that the actors' union Equity should join BEIRG in support of our work to preserve this vital resource, and we are pleased to welcome them.

The membership page has been updated.
Welcome to our latest new members!

The consequences of Ofcom's proposals affecting the PMSE industry are beginning to be reported in the press.
Reports so far include:
Daily Telegraph
Evening Standard
The Register

Ofcom have today published the Digital Dividend Review which consults on how they wish to dispose of the spectrum released when analogue TV is closed down in the UK, plus the channels 36 and 69 which do not have TV but which Ofcom also wishes to deal with. This is required reading for everyone interested in the provison of PMSE facilities or in the industries using them. The various documents can be found here.
Consultation published: 19|12|2006
Consultation closes: 20|03|2007

Ofcom is consulting on its intention to auction 215 MHz of spectrum in three bands between 2010 and 2690 MHz. The largest band is 2500 - 2690 MHz, currently used by PMSE video links which will be displaced when the auction is completed. PMSE licensees have already been advised that they must leave this spectrum. Two small bands at 2015 – 2025 and 2290 – 2300 MHz are also available and these are adjacent to PMSE digital link spectrum.
In its document, Ofcom includes PMSE amongst the uses for which this spectrum would be suitable. Anyone wishing to use any of it for PMSE will however need to out-bid the major telecoms network operators who will be competing for it. The Consultation can be found here.

Ofcom has published its draft Action Plan for 2007/8.
A brief study of the Plan reveals little of direct relevance to PMSE, other than Ofcom's intention of "determining future policy toward ... programme-making and special events".
It does however confirm Ofcom's continuing dedication to the auction process as a way of allocating spectrum. The Plan can be found here.

On the morning of Tuesday 5th December 2006 members of BEIRG along with representatives from AMPS – Association of Motion Picture Sound, IBS – the Institute of Broadcast Sound, PLASA – the Professional Lighting & Sound Association, PSA – the Production Services Agency met with Ofcom under the umbrella title of the PMSE Pro User Group.
A report on the meeting can be downloaded here.
A copy of the presentation given to Ofcom can be downloaded here.

Ofcom has published its consultants' study "Economic impact of the use of radio spectrum in UK" which fails to recognise the importance of spectrum used for PMSE. Programme-making is mentioned only briefly, coupled with news. Theatres, shows and other forms of entertainment using radio spectrum are ignored entirely. The study can be read here

BEIRG Press Release
Download file

A warm welcome to our latest members:

System Sound and Light Ltd.
and
John Leonard

The wide spectrum of interests represented by BEIRG is further enhanced by our five new members:

Britannia Row Productions Ltd
Paul Mason
Howie Nicol
Derrick Zieba
English National Opera

Welcome to you all!

Ofcom is proposing to revise the licence fees for various licence classes. The consultation can be found here, and the proposals affecting PMSE licences are contained in Section 5.
Following the general principles established in last year's fee changes, Ofcom is continuing to encourage better spectrum efficiency by increasing fees more for long-term exclusive use of frequencies and less for short-term assignments, particularly those made through JFMG's new on-line booking system.
The document also notes that Ofcom has still not yet decided how PMSE spectrum will be managed in the longer term, after the end of JFMG's contract which is now stated to be "within the next two years".

Ofcom has announced the results of the recent Regional Radiocommunication Conference (RRC-06)in Geneva, at which the international coordination arrangements for future developments in broadcasting were agreed. The news release can be seen here.
Ofcom's plans to close analogue TV broadcasting between 2008-2012, and to release a number of existing UHF TV channels for other purposes as a 'digital dividend' can now proceed. This is of crucial importance to PMSE users who currently have licensed access to all of the UHF TV channels. An outline of these plans is given in a presentation which can be found here.
As will be seen from these slides, there are many new services lining up to occupy both the 'digital dividend' channels given up by existing broadcasting services, and the geographical gaps between TV coverage areas which are so valuable for radio microphones and similar facilities. Unless the interests of the PMSE community are properly taken into account when these new services are considered, it is likely that substantial losses of spectrum and therefore of programme-making facilities will occur.
Ofcom currently has a consultancy project looking into the various options for use of the broadcasting bands, and this will lead into a major public consultation to which BEIRG will contribute.

Ofcom has published a consultation regarding the Restricted Radio Service, and the Audio Distribution Service (licensed by JFMG for audio "broadcasting" to closed user groups). It makes proposals affecting the spectrum currently shared by ADS with PMSE in the band 60.75 - 62.75 MHz, and other spectrum on either side of this band. There may be opportunities for BEIRG members to provide equipment or use spectrum in these bands. The consultation can be found here.

Ofcom's latest spectrum auction is for 872-876 MHz paired with 917-922 MHz, announced here.
The announcement includes the statement "Ofcom has identified a wide range of potential uses for this spectrum, including ... Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) which means, for example, radio microphones and audio links at concerts or sporting events."
The lower of the two bands, being close in frequency to the existing PMSE band at ch.69 and the licence-exempt audio band at 863-865 MHz, would certainly be useful to BEIRG members. But the chances of gaining access to it are slim. Ofcom has placed the minimum bid for the paired bands at £50,000 and there will be strong competion for them amongst mobile radio operators. Welcome to the spectrum market!

Ofcom has published another document in relation to its intended auction of spectrum at 412-414 MHz paired with 422-424 MHz, which can be found here.
This spectrum would be well suited to some BEIRG members for activities such as talkback and audio links, and indeed PMSE use was one possibility suggested by Ofcom in an earlier publication. However anyone wishing to use the spectrum for PMSE will either have to enter the auction to buy the rights to use it, or negotiate with a successful bidder to share access if such an owner is willing to grant it.

The method of spectrum rights sale outlined in this document is broadly similar to that used in previous spectrum auctions, and is likely to be followed for other spectrum that becomes available in the future. In other words, PMSE users or their spectrum provider/s will have to bid against other services for access to new spectrum.

The 1488 - 1491 MHz band, currently used for audio programme links, will be closed to PMSE users on 31st March 2007.
Ofcom will shortly offer this spectrum at auction.
As an alternative for PMSE users, the band 1517 - 1525 MHz is available for digital or analogue audio links.

We are pleased that Richard Greenleaf has agreed to become an honorary member of BEIRG; his knowledge of PMSE spectrum management is possibly second to none. This knowledge coupled with his enthusiasm will prove invaluable as we all move forward through a period of enormous change.

We are also pleased to announce that The Royal National Theatre have joined us. It helps to emphasise the importance of our efforts to secure spectrum for the future needs of our industry.

We welcome both.

Notice of Ofcom’s proposals to make regulations: The Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) Regulations 2005 has just been published which affects us in two ways.

Firstly, the fee increases this year will go ahead. These average 20% across the PMSE sector each year, but fall heavier on some types of assignment than others. The exact fees to be introduced this year are listed within Annex 3 of the document, starting on page 54. Secondly, Ofcom have decided against applying AIP (administered incentive pricing) to PMSE.

This is the concept by which fees would be set in future by the level of competition for PMSE spectrum from other services who might use it for other services. This is certainly good news, particularly because Ofcom says:

"AIP will not be applied to PMSE. Ofcom believes that AIP is only beneficial where the value to other uses is higher than for PMSE. However, if there is no viable alternative demand for PMSE spectrum, given the constraints placed on its usage, the efficiency foregone will be small.

Therefore the benefits of introducing AIP are low when compared with the risk that if AIP levels were too high, PMSE users might give spectrum back. That would impair broadcasting without giving rise to other benefits from the alternative use of the spectrum.

Ofcom intends to update annual fees to reflect administrative costs which would ensure that the current band manager can fulfil its duties properly."

You can find the full document here which shows that Ofcom are beginning to recognise the importance of PMSE spectrum.

Response to Spectrum Framework Review submitted. Read it here.

We hold our first e.g.m. After the presentation from our independent consultant, all our members agree on the need to press ahead with all urgency with our purpose of maintaining clear spectrum.

Ofcom publishes Implementation plan consultation on SFR. The consultation closes on 24 March 05, thereby giving us time and hope to show Ofcom how important is our need for spectrum.

BEIRG has its first informal meeting at Ofcom. It is agreed that BEIRG will help Ofcom with future consultations on PMSE spectrum need.

Ofcom publishes Spectrum Framework Review (SFR), one of the most important consultation documents to affect our industry that has ever been published. However, there is no mention of PMSE in it. Responses closing date is 15 Feb 05.

Eight founding members met at the offices of a well-known national broadcaster in west London.