Ofcom lines up Public Voice for sector consultation on TV services

Fundraising | Gareth Jones | 1 Nov 2006

Voluntary sector coalition Public Voice has been commissioned by the communications regulator Ofcom to consult with the voluntary and community sector on which communications services should gain access to the analogue television spectrum.

Ofcom is currently conducting the Digital Dividend Review, which is looking at how the spectrum can best be used for the public benefit when TV goes fully digital between 2008 and 2012, leaving the analogue spectrum free for other uses.

Public Voice will produce information leaflets and hold a national conference for the sector in late January, in the belief that such organisations hold a strong interest in how communications such as broadcasting are used to enrich society.

Rebecca Fulton, Public Voice's project manager for the consultation, explains: "These are analogue airwaves which carry a long distance, covering the whole of the UK, and can carry lots of information. They could be used, for example, for new television services, including very local TV or new digital channels; for broadcasting to mobile devices; for high definition TV; for wireless communications used in TV and film production, theatres and at special events; or for wireless broadband. They can carry national services or be split for local or regional use. There could be a number of potential mixes of commercial, public service and community uses.

"This consultation should be of interest to a wide range of voluntary and community groups, from disability organisations to charities working with young people. Our role is to inform the voluntary sector about the consultation, about what is at stake, how to find out more, and how to respond to Ofcom's questions."

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