By Kathryn Rockwell
Ofcom has published a decision to make valuable spectrum frequencies available for mobile broadband services, while assuring that the future of digital terrestrial TV will be secured. The decision enables the mobile network operators to deliver mobile broadband using the 700MHz frequency band, which is currently being used for digital terrestrial TV services.
As a result, consumers and businesses are expected to get faster and cheaper mobile data services, without this coming at the expense of free-to-view TV services. Ofcom has assured that despite moving terrestrial TV to another band, there will be no impact on viewers, and that the revenues will outweigh the costs ensued by revising terrestrial TV framework. Ofcom plans to enact this plan by the beginning of 2022, possibly by 2020.
Ofcom also stressed that the users of the wireless microphones in the program making and special events sector, such as theatres, sports venues, and music events will continue to have access to the airwaves they need to deliver cultural benefits.
