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Thanks Bill.<BR>
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.<BR>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?<BR>
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?<BR>
Thank you.<BR>
Ian<BR>
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Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:31:38 -0700<BR>Subject: Re: [cma-l] Ofcom consultation: UHF and VHF spectrum planning<BR>To: transplanfm@hotmail.com<BR>From: bill.best@commedia.org.uk<BR><BR>
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<DIV>Ian<BR></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><BR>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.
<DIV class=ecxim><BR>Here's the summary:<BR><BR><A href="http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/uhf-vhf-spectrum-planning/summary" target=_blank>http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/uhf-vhf-spectrum-planning/summary</A><BR><BR></DIV>The full consultation is attached - however only 10 pages are relevant.
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<DIV class=h5><BR>In a nutshell they are seeking input from stakeholders on the<BR>following specific areas:<BR><BR>- The planning scenarios that Ofcom is likely to have to address over<BR>the next few years and the technologies that could be involved.<BR>- The factors that are relevant for Ofcom to consider when assessing<BR>the impacts and benefits associated with addressing the evolution in<BR>spectrum planning requirements for DTT and DAB, and associated<BR>potential changes in requirements for a spectrum planning model.<BR>- Requirements that other users might have from such tools.<BR>- The outline work plan for achieving these objectives.<BR><BR>Here are the questions:<BR><BR>Question 1: Do you have a specific requirement for access to a new<BR>planning model and if so, what are your specific requirements?<BR><BR>Question 2: Have we correctly identified and characterised the<BR>potential options set out above, and what other options – if any –<BR>should be taken into account in our consideration?<BR><BR>Question 3: Do you have a preference for (one or more) particular options?<BR><BR>Question 4: Have we correctly identified and characterised the<BR>potential impacts set out above, and what other impacts – if any –<BR>should be taken into account in our consideration?<BR><BR>Question 5: What evidence, whether qualitative or quantitative, should<BR>we obtain and/or take into account in considering each of these<BR>potential impacts? Please identify any sources of specific evidence to<BR>which we should have regard.<BR><BR>Question 6: Have we correctly identified and characterised the<BR>potential benefits set out above, and what other benefits – if any –<BR>should be taken into account in our assessment?<BR><BR>Question 7: What evidence, whether qualitative or quantitative, should<BR>we obtain and/or take into account in assessing each of these<BR>potential benefits? Please identify any sources of specific evidence<BR>to which we should have regard.<BR><BR>Question 8: Should we place different weights on some impacts and<BR>benefits than on others?<BR><BR>Question 9: Do you have any comments on the work plan we have<BR>outlined? e.g. do you agree with our proposed timing and approach for<BR>securing a new model?<BR><BR></DIV></DIV>Is there anything that you would like to add to the CMA's response which will be submitted by Friday's deadline?
<DIV class=ecxim><BR>Best regards for now<BR><BR>Bill Best<BR>--<BR>Community Media Association<BR><A href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.commedia.org.uk/</A><BR><A href="http://twitter.com/community_media" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/community_media</A><BR><A href="http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation</A><BR><BR>Canstream Internet Radio & Video<BR><A href="http://www.canstream.co.uk/" target=_blank>http://www.canstream.co.uk/</A><BR><SPAN></SPAN></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR><SPAN></SPAN></DIV></DIV> </div></body>
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