Ofcom has
published
proposals to enable public sector organisations to share, trade
and
release
radio frequencies for new uses.
Frequencies allocated to the public sector, including the
Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Maritime
and
Coastguard Agency and the emergency services, amount to around
half of the radio spectrum below 15GHz.
This frequency band is the most sought-after and congested
frequency area. An independent study recently estimated that public
sector spectrum holdings could have a market value of between £3bn
and more than £20bn, said Ofcom.
The Ofcom proposals will provide public sector organisations
with new opportunities to make the most efficient use of their
frequencies, by allowing them to trade spectrum with commercial
companies, while ensuring that national security and public safety
remain paramount.
The proposals would first lead to spectrum trading in the
406.1-430 MHz, 2.7-3.4 GHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz bands.
Over time, this will benefit citizens and consumers, with the
potential launch of new services and technologies using the
spectrum, said the regulator.
Ofcom investigates 11 for mis-selling >>
Ofcom widens wireless rural broadband >>
Comment on this article:
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk