The Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector relies on radio spectrum for wireless applications that are used in the production and staging of a wide range of live and broadcast entertainment events.
The planned release of the 700 MHz band for mobile services will reduce the amount of spectrum available for audio PMSE use – such as wireless microphones and in-ear monitors.
Ofcom intends to mitigate the effect of this reduction in spectrum access, with a focus on finding appropriate, alternative spectrum for PMSE users.
Today’s consultation looks at a technical sharing analysis of the 960-1164 MHz and 1525-1559 MHz bands, and a proposal to allow access to spectrum in the 960-1164 MHz band. Audio PMSE users would share access to this band with aeronautical radio navigation services.
The document also sets out an assessment of spectrum demand and supply for audio links, talkback, telemetry and telecommand.
We invite stakeholders to comment on our provisional conclusions.
Update - 17 December 2018
Joint communication from Ofcom and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on approval of the safety assurance case for PMSE sharing with Aeronautical Services in the 960 to 1164 MHz band
Ofcom and the CAA have published a joint communication on PMSE sharing with Aeronautical Services in the 960 to 1164 MHz band (PDF, 88.7 KB)
Update - 30 January 2018
Report on testing carried out by JCSys on DME transponders and DME interrogators while subjected to PMSE digital microphone signal environment.
Digital Microphone Test Report (PDF, 2.7 MB)
Update – 20 December 2016
Joint communication from Ofcom and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on PMSE sharing in the 960 to 1164 MHz band
Ofcom and the CAA have published jointly a communication on PMSE sharing in the 960 to 1164 MHz band. (PDF, 45.2 KB)
Update – 8 January 2016
In response to our consultation on new spectrum for audio PMSE some stakeholders requested additional information on the coexistence modelling in the aeronautical band 960 MHz to 1164 MHz. The document ‘Further details on approach to modelling and sharing in the band 960-1164 MHz (PDF, 91.6 KB)’ provides the additional information requested.
We consequently reopened our consultation period and stakeholders who wish to comment further were invited to do so by 22 January 2016.
This document sets out Ofcom's decision to allow Audio PMSE users to share access to the 960-1164 MHz band with aeronautical radio navigation services. We will implement this decision in accordance with spectrum management rules agreed with the Civil Aviation Authority.
It also confirms our assessment that sharing with PMSE would also be possible in the 1525-1559 MHz band but we do not consider this to be the most appropriate solution for the long term needs of the PMSE sector.
We further concluded that no specific action is needed at this time to address spectrum access requirements for PMSE applications below 470 MHz and in the 1.5 GHz band for production communications.
New Spectrum for Audio PMSE, Statement published 10|03|2016 (PDF, 386.9 KB)
