ITT 04 2018: Clearing the 700 MHz band: Support Scheme for PMSE Equipment Owners

The radio spectrum between 470 MHz and 790 MHz is used by Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) services. In November 2014, Ofcom published a statement setting out our decision to clear these services from the 700 MHz band (the part of the radio spectrum between 694 MHz and 790 MHz) and to reallocate the frequencies for mobile data. In October 2016 Ofcom published a further statement which set out our decision to accelerate the 700 MHz clearance programme by 18 months in order to release radio spectrum for mobile services in May 2020, instead of September 2021. Access to the band will cease to be available for use by PMSE from 1 May 2020 and we will not authorise use beyond this date. The UK Government has decided to fund a grant scheme to support PMSE equipment owners that have to vacate the 700 MHz band earlier than expected. Ofcom has agreed with Government to design and run a grant scheme to disburse the funds. Ofcom has a requirement for an Operator to administer the funding scheme for eligible PMSE owners and equipment.