Radio Mic "switch off" - Channel 38 confirmed as replacement for Channel 69

On 30th June Ofcom made it's latest statement on the future of the channel 69 radio mic band.

The Clearing the 800 MHz band statement confirms that channel 69 will be cleared and replaced by channel 38.

Ch38 (606 - 614 MHz) will become available on a UK wide basis from 1 January 2012, as a replacement for Ch69 (854 - 862 MHz);

Ch38 will be available on the same terms as Ch69, you will need to be licensed to use it and you will share it with other licensed users.

PMSE users will continue to have access to Ch61 - 69 (790 - 862 MHz) until at least 1 January 2012, and possibly up to the end of DSO in 2012;

PMSE users will continue to have access to Ch31 - 35 (550 - 590 MHz) until the end of DSO in 2012;

Users of Ch36 (590 - 598 MHz) will be given 12 months notice to vacate once the spectrum has been awarded

Funding will be provided for the move from Ch69 to Ch38 subject to eligibility criteria, but the details won't be announced until October 2009 following a consultation.

JFMG have been devising a channel 38 shared plan and will be consulting with users over the coming months to develop something that best satisfies all requirements.