The consultation on Licensing "Community Audio Distribution System" closed on 19 October 2004. Ofcom received 27 responses, all expressing support for its introduction and some of these expressed a number of concerns and questions.
Ofcom is grateful for all responses to the consultation, and has considered all comments received. Of the concerns and queries raised we do not consider that any justify halting the introduction of the new CADS provision on an experimental basis. Therefore Ofcom can confirm that the licensing regime will begin as of 4 November 2004 for an experimental period of 12 months.
During this trial period Ofcom encourages users to give feedback on the progress of the regime to aid Ofcom in coming to a final decision on the viability of the scheme. These comments along with results from Ofcom's own monitoring and evaluation process will inform the decision to be made in late 2005.