700MHz clearance consultation continues

UK communications regulator, Ofcom, announced that the 700 MHz spectrum band – currently used for digital terrestrial television and wireless microphones – would be repurposed for mobile data services.

Disruption to DTT viewers is agreed to be kept to a minimum, and Ofcom explain that the vast majority of viewers will only need to retune their digital television or set-top box during clearance, with less than 1% requiring aerial work.

The Government are now considering what support viewers might require and whether public funding should be made available, and whether PMSE (programme-making and special events) will need to replace their equipment.