[cma-l] Ofcom consultation: UHF and VHF spectrum planning

[Ian Hickling]

Thanks Bill.

Whilst I appreciate that Ofcom has to be seen to be taking a very comprehensive approach to this subject, I can't help feeling that it has been so excessively couched in comprehensivity that most people - like me - will give up trying to find how and where to assess what is required and simply not bother to respond.
So would the CMA please on our behalf firstly tell Ofcom in the most appropriate way that what we need in VHF and UHF planning is a simple and practical approach that makes spectrum available for essential use by the smaller, poorly-funded  and uninfluential Licensees rather than it being sold off to some commercial entity which may or may not actually use or need it?

And secondly take a much more speedy and realistic approach to finding space in Band II for small broadcasters rather than simply saying that no frequencies are available?

Thank you.

Ian

 



Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:31:38 -0700
Subject: Re: [cma-l] Ofcom consultation: UHF and VHF spectrum planning
To: transplanfm at hotmail.com
From: bill.best at commedia.org.uk




Ian


The CMA has approached a number of mailing list subscribers for their views on the Ofcom consultation on UHF and VHF spectrum planning. The deadline for responses is 5pm Friday 4th October. 

Here's the summary:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/uhf-vhf-spectrum-planning/summary

The full consultation is attached - however only 10 pages are relevant. 


In a nutshell they are seeking input from stakeholders on the
following specific areas:

- The planning scenarios that Ofcom is likely to have to address over
the next few years and the technologies that could be involved.
- The factors that are relevant for Ofcom to consider when assessing
the impacts and benefits associated with addressing the evolution in
spectrum planning requirements for DTT and DAB, and associated
potential changes in requirements for a spectrum planning model.
- Requirements that other users might have from such tools.
- The outline work plan for achieving these objectives.

Here are the questions:

Question 1: Do you have a specific requirement for access to a new
planning model and if so, what are your specific requirements?

Question 2: Have we correctly identified and characterised the
potential options set out above, and what other options – if any –
should be taken into account in our consideration?

Question 3: Do you have a preference for (one or more) particular options?

Question 4: Have we correctly identified and characterised the
potential impacts set out above, and what other impacts – if any –
should be taken into account in our consideration?

Question 5: What evidence, whether qualitative or quantitative, should
we obtain and/or take into account in considering each of these
potential impacts? Please identify any sources of specific evidence to
which we should have regard.

Question 6: Have we correctly identified and characterised the
potential benefits set out above, and what other benefits – if any –
should be taken into account in our assessment?

Question 7: What evidence, whether qualitative or quantitative, should
we obtain and/or take into account in assessing each of these
potential benefits? Please identify any sources of specific evidence
to which we should have regard.

Question 8: Should we place different weights on some impacts and
benefits than on others?

Question 9: Do you have any comments on the work plan we have
outlined? e.g. do you agree with our proposed timing and approach for
securing a new model?

Is there anything that you would like to add to the CMA's response which will be submitted by Friday's deadline? 

Best regards for now

Bill Best
--
Community Media Association
http://www.commedia.org.uk/
http://twitter.com/community_media
http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation

Canstream Internet Radio & Video
http://www.canstream.co.uk/

 		 	   		  
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