Ofcom Announces Spectrum for Satellite Radio

[10-10-07 – Satellite Today] In a major boost for satellite radio in the United Kingdom, the U.K. communications regulator, Ofcom has revealed it will be releasing spectrum for mobile television and satellite radio, the organisation announced Dec. 10. It plans to auction radio spectrum early next year.
    Ofcom said, a number of possible uses of the 1452-1492 MHz band, the so-called ‘L-Band’, have been identified including: mobile multimedia services including mobile TV which could be deployed using a variety of technologies; satellite digital radio; and broadband wireless access or high-speed Internet on the move.
    Ofcom expects the auction process, which will be held online, to start in spring 2008. Ofcom said the spectrum will be released on a technology and service neutral basis, allowing users the flexibility to decide what technology to use, what services to offer and to change their use of the spectrum over time.