Happy New Year from OFCOM (well sort of!)

JFMG have sent emails today (4th Jan 2010), following on from letters last week to Channel 69 Wireless Microphone Licence holders.

The email is less clear, but the letters say that all shared Channel 69 licences issued from today will also include shared use of Channel 38 (606-614 MHz). There are however still areas where Channel 38 is not available in order to protect radio astronomy (Cheshire and Cambridgeshire). JFMG are providing a web check tool to help identify these areas, additionally in these areas frequencies from Channels 39/40 will be made available but you must check in advance which frequencies are available in a particular location. Protection for radio astronomy ends on Jan 1st 2012 when I assume channel 38 will be available countrywide and use of 39/40 will be withdrawn from the shared licence.

It's not clear whether anyone who currently has a licence for channel 69 can swap this for a new channel 38/39/40/69 shared licence at no additional cost - unless they have recently renewed a licence that was due to expire on or after 4th Jan 2010.

No mention is made of when or what funding will be available for the change over. I can't imagine that many freelancers will want to hand over their channel 69 mics in exchange for funding (assuming this is how it will work) before channel 38 is available all over the country or am I missing something?

I've heard that at least one person has got very confusing information when calling JFMG and being told they need two licences - one for 69 and one for 38 at additional cost. It does seem rather unfair if new licences will include all the frequencies but the old ones cost the same but don't. All the relevant letters are available online (links below).

Channel 69 Shared Licence letter
Channel 69 Co-ordinated letter
Channel 38 letter
Channel 40 letter

**UPDATE Please read Paul Gill's comment on this post which clears up the confusion...

Save Our Sound - write to your MP!

The Save Our Sound website is spearheading a letter writing campaign to MPs to highlight the current lack of a fair compensation scheme for current users of the radio mic channels which are about to be cleared by OFCOM.

Save Our Sound have provided a set of templates for letters to MPs so there's no excuse not to make your voice heard! Get downloading and write!

If you don't know who your local MP is, find out here.

In Praise of... channel 69

Fantastic editorial in today's Guardian

The Guardian, Tuesday 17 November 2009

With the possible exception of Britney Spears and Madonna,
few would die for a wireless microphone. But you would be
wrong to think it is not a subject capable of stoking passion.
Much of the live entertainment industry in Britain, along
with sports events, conferences and community events, will
be affected by an Ofcom plan to auction off the radio
frequencies upon which the industry depends.

The frequencies, known collectively as channel 69, were
originally exempted from the large block of spectrum being
freed up as the country switches from analogue to digital TV.
But such is the potential value of this prime bit of frequency
real estate for mobile broadband that the government could
not resist kicking the entertainments industry off this
channel.

Ofcom plans to move all current users on to a different
channel, but that is not the point. In the process, everyone
will have to throw away their old radio mics and buy new ones.
This is worth tens of millions of pounds, and Ofcom is
promising to refund only the residual value of the equipment
it is junking, not the replacement value. Many involved in live
music are operating on low margins and, in the case of
charitable and community organisations, no margins at all.
Much of the equipment is owned by small, specialist firms,
which could go bust. One of two things has got to happen.
Either Ofcom extends the period left to use microphones on
the old frequencies, or the government should pay up.

BEIRG statement on Channel 69 Funding Consultation

BEIRG SAY “THOSE WHO DO NOTHING WILL LOSE OUT!”

The following is the text of the BEIRG statement:

"It is Vital that all PMSE users that will be affected by the consultation get involved and respond. BEIRG will provide as much assistance as we can, but at this stage PMSE equipment owners and users now have to get involved and make your voices heard.

On 30 June 2009, Ofcom published a statement setting out their decision to clear the entire 800 MHz band. This means that if you have wireless equipment such as radio microphones and/or in-ear monitors which operate in channels 61-69, they will be rendered obsolete by 2012/2013.

Enforced eviction of PMSE from the 800 MHz band will therefore result in major cost implications for all those that own affected equipment. Ofcom and the Government agreed to the principle of putting a funding mechanism in place to cover the costs of migration by paying to replace affected equipment.

Last week, Ofcom published a consultation – Clearing the 800 MHz band; Funding for programme making and special events - setting out their proposals by which PMSE equipment owners will be eligible for funding, and under what criteria. These criteria fall a long way short of what is required. Owners of ALL PMSE equipment MUST respond to this consultation document if they are to stand any chance of being able to change the limited and narrow nature of the eligibility criteria that Ofcom has set out.

The only way that users stand any chance of effecting changes to the current proposals is by speaking up NOW! Ofcom Funding Consultation Document Here

*WHAT OFCOM SAY*

Key funding proposals:

Who/which equipment will be eligible for funding under the current proposals set out by the consultation? -

Equipment hire companies that did not need to be licensed should be eligible for funding, subject to providing clear verifiable evidence that renting, not operating, PMSE equipment is the basis of their operations. - Aside from the exception of rental companies, only those who held a channel 69 license on 2 February 2009 or during the previous 12 months will be eligible, subject to verification by the JFMG licensing database.

Only equipment that was purchased before 2nd February 2009 or was bought between 2nd February 2009 and 30th June 2009 for ‘compelling’ reasons will be eligible with various demanding justifications.

Only equipment that is tuneable to channel 69 will be considered as eligible for funding subject to strict criteria.

Who/which equipment will *NOT* be eligible for funding under the current proposals set out by the consultation?

Equipment purchased after 30 June 2009. It is Ofcom’s view that their new ‘bandplan’ for channels 38-40 will mean that nobody will need to buy channel 69 equipment again. - Those who did not have a channel 69 licence on 2nd February or up to 12 months before and had no legitimate reasons for allowing licences to lapse - Equipment that is not tuneable to channel 69 (unless there are ‘compelling reasons’ otherwise). Ofcom’s position is that although equipment that is tuneable to channels 61-68 is being affected (rendered obsolete) by the clearance of the 800 MHz band, only channel 69 gear will be eligible because they believe that they have provided sufficient termination of access notice for channels 61-68.

How much will equipment owners be allowed to claim?

Ofcom are proposing that the amounts involved will be based on the residual value of the equipment for the period starting on January 1st 2012 until the end of its ‘useful life’ with the end of 2018 as a cut-off date (Under this proposal, there will be a maximum residual value of any equipment of 7 years). Ofcom’s reasoning for this is that users would not have reasonably expected to be able to use channel 69 after this date. - There are other detailed questions and proposals on methodology of equipment valuation and funding calculation that need to be addressed


*WHAT BEIRG SAY*

While we welcome the fact that Ofcom consider that the PMSE community warrants a 51-page funding consultation document, disappointingly the content falls way short of what BEIRG had been expecting to see. We are effectively being ‘evicted’ from channel 69, along with the rest of the 800 MHz band on very sharp terms. The current proposals relating to funding eligibility and timing of eligibility are in BEIRG’s view totally unacceptable.

Owners of licensed equipment that operates on channel 69, and any other equipment that will be affected by the clearance of the 800MHz band, should be compensated in FULL, on a ‘new for old’ basis. This situation has been forced onto the industry, and users should not have to bear any costs associated with being moved to a new home.

Indeed the Digital Britain report stated; "The Government is committed to the timely release of 800 spectrum and will work with Ofcom to understand and meet the technical challenges. It has already endorsed Ofcom’s proposal setting out its plans to clear channels 61, 62 and 69. The Government will facilitate this replanning and will meet the costs incurred by broadcasters and PMSE users as a result of these changes." Not some of the costs or a share the costs or a proportion of the costs.

Again – ‘The Government will meet the costs incurred by broadcasters and PMSE users.’ And PMSE equipment is in use across frequency channels 61-69 inclusive. All of the work that BEIRG has been doing over the past few years has ensured that the PMSE industry has been recognised, marked out and given ‘special status’. Ofcom has recognised that the diverse and disparate nature of our industry means that we are not capable of competing in a free, open spectrum market.

However it now seems that by dropping so many caveats into the funding eligibility criteria, Ofcom and the Government are going to make it extremely difficult for honest, hard-working PMSE users to claim what BEIRG believes they should be morally entitled to. PMSE owners and users should not be forced into increased levels of debt just to stay in business as a result of the 800 MHz clearance plan.

New users of the 800 MHz band will have everything to gain while existing users under current proposals will have everything to lose. BEIRG will of course put together a response to this consultation, which we would suggest all PMSE users then utilise as the basis for their own individual responses. Please send an email to alun(at)ranelagh.info if you wish to receive a copy of the BEIRG response once it is complete.

This process that has been forced on us has no benefit to the industry, only cost whereas every other potential user has a new business opportunity to build/grow/improve their busineses. It is imperative that ALL equipment owners that will be affected RESPOND to this consultation. This is the part of the process that we need your help with if we are to stand any chance of getting you what you deserve, not just what they are prepared to offer. BEIRG will also put together a response to this consultation, which we would suggest all PMSE users then utilise as the basis for their own individual responses.

If you have any questions about this consultation or any other spectrum related issues then please do one or all of the following:
• Join the BEIRG Group on Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com
• Join BEIRG if you are not already a member http://www.beirg.org.uk

OFCOM and Channel 69 - the latest

Yesterday the following email was sent to licensed users of channel 69

14/08/09 Funding proposals for the move from Ch69 to Ch38 revealed

On 30 July 2009 Ofcom confirmed Ch38 would replace Ch69 during 2012 and that a funding mechanism would be put in place to help those affected by the move.

Ofcom have now published a further consultation: ‘clearing the 800MHz band’ focussing on more detailed points regarding eligibility and the methodology for calculating funding. It also discusses timing and licensing issues surrounding the move to Ch38.

The main proposals are as follows:

Eligibility
Users who will be eligible for funding under the proposals:

· users who purchased before 2 February 2009 equipment capable of tuning to Ch69 but not Ch38; and were also in possession of a valid Ch69 licence after 2 February 2008;
· licensed users who needed to buy Ch69 equipment between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2009;
· Rental companies

Users who will not be eligible for funding under the proposals:

· Ch31 – 37 and Ch60 – 68 users;
· users whose equipment does not tune to Ch69;
· users whose equipment tunes to 69 but also tunes to Ch38;
· users who have never held a licence to operate Ch69;
· users who purchase Ch69 equipment after 30 June 2009

Residual value of equipment

Under the proposals:

· Funding will be based on the residual value of PMSE equipment in 2012;
· Ofcom propose that funding will not be given for residual value of equipment past 2018

Licensing arrangements

· Ofcom propose to include access to frequencies from Ch39 and 40 in the shared licence arrangements for Ch38 to provide a solution to the issue of providing UK-wide access prior to the UK-wide availability of Ch38
· Ofcom also seek views on the options for new licensing arrangements for Ch38 as detailed on the JFMG website: http://www.jfmg.co.uk/Pages/News/Moving_69.htm

This is only a 5 week consultation so please take the time to look at it and send your thoughts to Ofcom by 11/09/2009. In addition why not take part in the discussion on our PMSE forum. We will gather the feedback and ensure that Ofcom are fully aware of all views expressed.

I and others I'm sure will be concerned by the use of the phrase "Funding will be based on the residual value of PMSE equipment in 2012" as that indicates to me a very minimal sum for many of us that will not get us back to the position we were in before the changes.

Add to this the fact that Channel 38 is not yet available to us anyway and you have a very difficult situation for the radio mic manufacturers and recordists alike.

In addition to the links above a questionnaire can be filled in at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pmse_funding/howtorespond/form which I urge people to do.

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.

Digital Britain Report and channel 69 - what should we buy?

I've already commented on the transfer of the UKs radio stations to digital only by 2015 announced in the "Digital Britain" report yesterday. Also in the report, buried on p78 was an interesting comment on the channel 69 radio mic spectrum. It reads as follows;

"The Government is committed to the timely release of 800 spectrum and will work with Ofcom to understand and meet the technical challenges. It has already endorsed Ofcom’s proposal setting out its plans to clear channels 61, 62 and 69. The Government will facilitate this re-planning and will meet the costs incurred by broadcasters and PMSE users as a result of these changes."

It will be interesting to see what we are offered as current users of channel 69. The whole report can be read here.

I've been asked a lot recently what people should do if they need to buy radio mics now. As far as I can see their are currently three options as it seems very unlikely that the government will provide funding to replace mics in 2012 if they are purchased now.

1. Don't buy, rent instead. if that's going to cost you more than the value of the mic before 2012 then it might be worth buying anyway.

2. Buy a microphone that works on channel 70 (the licence free band), even if it includes channel 69 and you licence and use that up until 2012 at least you will be able to use channel 70 for free after that. This is probably the best option for community groups who may not want to buy a licence anyway. Be aware though that there may be more traffic on channel 70 after 2012 as others do the same thing.

3. Buy a channel 69 mic but be a knowledgable buyer! Ask your supplier if the mic you are buying can be converted to channel 38 in the future and what the costs will be. Ask them if they will "future proof" that mic for you by doing the conversion when you need it at a fixed price.

Ofcom sets out Olympic spectrum plan

Read the full article at http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/28/ofcom_olympic_spectrum_plan/

Ofcom sets out Olympic spectrum plan
Government asked to pay for it all
By Bill Ray

Posted in Wireless, 28th May 2009 07:33 GMT


UK regulator Ofcom has laid out a consultation plan for radio spectrum use during the London Olympics in 2012, ensuring that even if the games fail to be spectacular, at least the coverage will be wireless.

Ofcom reckons there'll be more than 21,000 accredited media personages descending on London come July 2012, who will want 350 wireless mics, 75 simultaneous HD video streams - three of which will be in the air - and a fair proportion of the 781 talkback* channels the event is expected to use, with the UK government footing the bill at the calculated market rate for enough of the electromagnetic spectrum to carry it all.

Channel 69 Report

The Channel 69, radio mic saga continues with this report published on the website for the department for culture, media and sport.

"Report from the Independent Spectrum Broker: findings and policy proposals

The Interim Digital Britain Report set out a Spectrum Modernisation Programme to address a range of key issues in the transition to next generation mobile services.

In February, the Government appointed an Independent Spectrum Broker to determine whether a series of market led spectrum trades between operators could be achieved to facilitate this objective. The Independent Spectrum Broker has concluded his discussions with industry, the regulator and government. He has now published his conclusions and his report and accompanying statement."

I have not yet read the whole report (it's 60 pages) but someone who has picked out the following paragraph from page 54;

"If PMSE users, who are geographically concentrated, could be cleared from Channel 69 by the second half of 2012 then a 2 x 10MHz block suitable for mobile communications would become available nationwide. However, this could impose some costs on PMSE users and were Government to consider such a move, compensation and assistance to users might provide
for a smoother transition."

You can download the whole report as a PDF or word file below.

Report from the Independent Spectrum Broker: findings and policy proposals PDF (506kb)

Report from the Independent Spectrum Broker: findings and policy proposals MS Word (775kb)

Radio Mic "switch off" - last day to make your views count

Today is the closing date for responses to OFCOMs proposals to move channel 69 radio mic users to a new channel. So if you want your views to count respond online now!

The response form can be reached at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/800mhz/howtorespond/

The Consultation document is downloadable from http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/800mhz/

Radio Mic "switch off" letter.

You can now download a very non-techie letter which is intended to explain the withdrawal of channel 69 to production companies and other interested parties. Please feel free to distribute it. Responses to OFCOM need to be received by 20th April 2009.

British Radio Mics to be "Switched off"

Below is the full text of a letter from OFCOM which was received today by licensed radio mic users in the UK. It informs us that the radio mic frequencies we use will no longer be available after "late 2012" but that they hope "funding" will be in place to help us move to another frequency.

The letter:
20 March 2009

The Digital Dividend and availability of channel 69 for wireless microphones

This letter is to make you aware that Ofcom is consulting on important proposals concerning the future availability of channel 69 (854-862 MHz) for wireless microphones.

Throughout our Digital Dividend Review, which has considered how best to release the spectrum freed up by digital switchover (DSO) for new uses, we have noted the importance that wireless-microphone users place on having access to high-quality, UK-wide spectrum. We had therefore envisaged channel 69 remaining available for wireless-microphone use in the future, albeit that access would be granted by a band manager rather than by us or our agents (currently JFMG).

However, an increasing number of other European countries are creating their own digital dividends that include channel 69 as well as two other channels 61 and 62, currently planned for other use by (digital terrestrial television) in the UK after DSO. This is because this spectrum is likely to be particularly suitable for new generations of mobile-broadband services. As a result, we have considered whether we should include these channels in the UK's digital dividend and concluded that there would be very substantial net benefits from making this change.

If we were to include channel 69 in the digital dividend, we must find other spectrum that is a suitable replacement for wireless microphones. We must also make sure that the change has as little adverse effect on users as possible. This includes ensuring existing licensees do not bear extra costs that must reasonably be incurred to move from channel 69.

We have proposed channel 38 (606-614 MHz) as the best alternative to channel 69 for wireless microphones. Channel 38 is available now across the UK, subject only to restrictions to protect a small number of radioastronomy sites. These restrictions will be removed during 2012.

To facilitate moving wireless microphones from channel 69, we have also proposed that:
- users should have continued UK-wide access to the spectrum being released by DSO until late 2012;
- funding should be available to cover the cost of modifying or replacing existing licensed equipment able to use channel 69 but not channel 38.

Our proposals can be found at
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/800mhz/800mhz.pdf We invite responses by 20 April 2009 and expect to announce our decisions shortly after.

You may also wish to note that wireless microphones can and will continue to be able to use channel 70 (863-865 MHz) without the need for a wireless telegraphy licence. Wireless microphones that use channel 69 may well be able to use channel 70 with little or no modification. Your equipment manufacturer may be able to advise you. However, you should also be aware that using spectrum on a licence-exempt basis does not confer the same protection from interference as licensed use.

If you would like to discuss the contents of this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me using the details given above.
Yours sincerely,

John Canavan