What is Clearance?

An Ofcom statement, published in June 2009, set out the decision to clear channels 61 and 62. At that stage the UK was partway through DSO, a process which involves switching off analogue terrestrial broadcasting and substantially increasing the coverage of DTT so that analogue coverage levels are matched.

In order to reduce impacts on viewers, the clearance of channels 61 and 62 was partly integrated into the DSO programme, which is on track to complete as planned at the end of 2012, with the remainder of the channels 61 and 62 clearance due to complete by the end of 2013.

Engineering work to release spectrum will be required at more than 400 transmission sites during late 2012 and 2013. At about 250 of these locations, some TV services will move to new frequencies, requiring viewers to retune DTT televisions and set-top boxes.

For the full Ofcom Communication on clearance please click here.

Why?

The Government decided in 2002 that about a third of the spectrum used by analogue TV would be made available for new wireless services after digital switchover. This “digital dividend” would comprise two bands of spectrum: channels 31-40 and channels 63-68.

However, a growing number of other European countries decided to release a single band of spectrum as their dividend, focusing on channels 61-69 (known as the 800 MHz band). Following consultation, the Government decided to align the upper band of the UK’s digital dividend with these other European countries. This change required frequencies planned for digital terrestrial TV (DTT) use to be cleared from channels 61 and 62 (the channels at the bottom of the 800MHz band) and relocated to a lower frequency.

It’s estimated this change will yield benefits to the UK of £2 billion - £3 billion in net present value, mainly from improving the usability of the spectrum for next-generation mobile-broadband services.

Benefits of Clearance

What are the benefits of releasing the spectrum?

Ofcom estimate that releasing this spectrum in line with other European countries will help deliver benefits with a value of £2billion - £3billion. These benefits are likely to be seen in three main areas:

• Faster mobile internet services.
  Use of smartphones and tablets for services such as video, social networking, email and internet browsing is growing fast. The additional spectrum will help mobile operators meet these demands for growth in mobile data and to offer faster services.
  
• Continuation of a competitive environment for mobile.
  Access to this spectrum is expected to be vital to the future commercial success of existing and prospective new entrant mobile network operators. The existing competitive environment in the mobile sector has provided consumers with compelling choice and attractive pricing for mobile services. The award of this spectrum is likely to help shape future competition in mobile markets for at least the next decade.
  
• Broadband in less densely populated areas.
  The 800 MHz band is expected to be key to the delivery of next generation mobile broadband services in less densely populated areas.