Ofcom U-turn over spectrum for lifeboats

The UK regulator is encountering strong opposition to its plans to introducing spectrum pricing in the aviation and maritime sectors. The issued has been raised in parliament, followed by an abrupt change in the policy proposals.

Ofcom has produced a preliminary set of proposals aimed at charging for the use of VHF communications channels, possibly as early as next year, and for a number of other bands (see table below) from 2010.

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Study calls for public spectrum re-think

A European Commission study due later this month will make some "fairly radical" recommendations on how to improve spectrum use by Europe's public sector, but take a cautious approach to market-based allocation mechanisms.

The draft study by WIK-Consult, Aegis Systems Limited, IDATE and Plum Consulting was unveiled at a 1 October Brussels public workshop on optimising public sector use of spectrum. The Commission is seeking advice on several issues, said WIK-Consult Department Manager J. Scott Marcus: How to find an appropriate balance between spectrum allocated for public, commercial and private activities; how the public sector in member states can adopt a more long-term, proactive approach to their use of spectrum; and how public bodies can improve public procurement of radio equipment and services. The consulting team was also asked to explore the possibility of new technological approaches to help public agencies use spectrum more efficiently. The report focuses on the defence, transport and emergency sectors.

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Ireland awaits spectrum trading legislation

Legislation enabling spectrum to be traded in Ireland could be in place by 2010, according to the country's wireless community.

Spectrum in Ireland is currently governed by the 1926 Wireless Telegraphy Act. "It's an old act, but the fact that it has lasted this long shows it is robust," says Jim Connolly, senior spectrum advisor at Irish regulator ComReg. "The main issue is that it deals with licensing the use of radio equipment. To allow spectrum trading, its focus has to be broadened to address rights of use of spectrum."

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CEPT brings in new procedures following WRC splits

European regulators have agreed to proposals for strengthening their agreed common positions after Russia and other countries were criticised for undermining these at last year's World Radio Conference.

The European regulators group, CEPT, has agreed a new rule of procedure for negotiating European Common Proposals during world conferences and has proposed enhanced communication with the former Soviet states represented in the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC) grouping.

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http://www.policytracker.com/alerts.php?tact=816

Ireland hopes to become Celtic tiger of wireless Europe

A consultants report for regulator ComReg calls for a substantial frequency release after digital switchover and recommends the setting aside of an "innovation reserve."

The amount of spectrum assigned to non-broadcasting use as part of the digital dividend in Ireland could be in the region of 80 MHz to 120 MHz, according to a report commissioned by the Irish regulator ComReg.

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Ofcom researches environmental obligations

The UK regulator has commissioned a study to help it decide whether environmental protection should be added to its list of regulatory duties.

Under the 2003 Communications Act the main duties of the regulator are to "further the interests of citizens…[and]…consumers…where appropriate by promoting competition."

Read the full details at: https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/ofcom-researches-environmental-obligations

October 2008 printed issue available for download

Our top story this month is the European Parliament's final verdict on the spectrum reform proposals contained in the Telecoms Framework Review.

The more liberal aspects have been diluted but the European Commission has praised the Parliament's commitment to flexibility and harmonisation.

Read the full details at: https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/october-2008-printed-issue-available-for-download