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MUMBAI:
UK media watchdog Ofcom has confirmed plans to clear the 800
MHz band of radio spectrum.
The
move aligns more of the spectrum released as part of the UK's
digital dividend with an increasing number of other European
countries. This will allow new wireless services - particularly
the next generation of mobile broadband - to be launched in
the UK.
The
decision to release a digital dividend was taken by the Government
in 2003 before Ofcom came into existence. Developed at that
time, the plan involved the release of two distinct bands
of spectrum.
It
has now become clear that a growing number of other European
countries will release a digital dividend within a slightly
wider block of spectrum than the UK's upper band. That's why
earlier this year Ofcom launched a consultation to consider
whether the UK should clear the whole 800 MHz band and align
more of its spectrum with the digital dividend in other European
countries.
Ofcom
believes that freeing up the whole 800 MHz band for new uses
will provide large benefits to citizens and consumers.These
include lower equipment prices for consumers, more efficient
use of spectrum, improved opportunities for new generations
of mobile broadband, and more scope for competition and innovation
in new wireless services.
The
net benefits to consumers could be worth at least £2.5-3
billion. There will also be some changes to the spectrum used
by digital terrestrial television (DTT) services and wireless
microphones.
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