On Tuesday 19th December, Ofcom released their proposed approach to
the award of digital dividend spectrum.

All consultation documents, including details of how to reply, can be
found at the link below. (NB: The executive summary - 2nd doc on the
list - is the best for those of you looking for a brief overview).

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/ddr/

Of particular interest for VCS groups are the following points:

*Ofcom has essentially outlined a market-led approach to the
allocation of spectrum (i.e. the majority of spectrum will be
auctioned off to the highest bidder).

*The bottom line for VCS groups is that under the current plans we
will have to compete with commercial bidders in the marketplace to
get our hands on any of this spectrum.

*Regulation will be kept to an absolute minimum, with the only major
declared regulation being a) To regulate the transition of services
and b) to prevent disruption to other services.

*Widespread availability of mobile broadband was considered to be of
broader value to society, whereas HDTV was not identified as being of
broader value to society - for now, anyway.

*Ofcom want to move away from the era when spectrum as "an instrument
of public policy."

*Ofcom will not pick preferred uses of spectrum.

*The consultation period has now begun and we have until 20th MARCH
2007 to reply to these proposals. It is vital that as many people
from the VCS do so.

*The final decision is expected in or around July 2007 with
allocation beginning as early as 2008.