This statement confirms that, following consultation1, Ofcom has made regulations and an order2 to introduce tradable recognised spectrum access (RSA) for Crown bodies in the 406.1-430 MHz frequency band (the ‘406.1 band’) and to make radio astronomy RSA tradable in certain other bands. The regulations and order were made on 9 January 2009 and took effect on 23 January.
It also explains how we intend to proceed in determining the technical limits that will apply to grants of RSA in the 406.1 band. This is the first stage of our Spectrum Framework Review for the Public Sector (SFRPS), which will put in place a new framework to enable government departments and other public bodies to manage and use the radio spectrum better.
Background
The radio spectrum is a limited and valuable resource. The public sector holds around half of the frequencies below 15 GHz. It is important that these extensive holdings are managed effectively and used efficiently in order to meet rising demand, including from new commercial services. In March 2006, the government, with Ofcom’s support, accepted the recommendations of the Independent Audit of Spectrum Holdings3 by Professor Martin Cave to reform public sector spectrum management. A key recommendation was to make public sector spectrum holdings4 tradable in order to provide incentives and opportunities to promote greater efficiency in their use.
We subsequently consulted5 on proposals to give effect to this policy by formalising the government’s spectrum holdings as tradable RSA in a phased manner. Having carefully considered the responses, we decided6 to proceed with the policy beginning with the 406.1 band, which has been identified by the Ministry of Defence (MOD)7 as an early candidate for release or sharing through the market.