Radio spectrum for programme making and entertainment

PMSE proposals take industry one step closer to a commercial band manager

The latest proposals published by Ofcom mark another step towards their aim of implementing a commercial band manager to the PMSE industry.

If the current timetable goes to plan the arrangements by which users gain access to frequencies from JFMG will change in 2010. Fees will no longer be set by and passed to Ofcom. Instead the new band manager will set and retain its’ own fees.

The latest document sets out how Ofcom intend to ensure PMSE users do not suffer unduly as a result of the change in arrangements.  It’s clear they’ve spent a lot of time ensuring that the measures put in place provide sufficient comfort for the PMSE industry as a whole.

The document focuses on ensuring PMSE users suffer as little disruption as possible during the transition to the commercial manager in terms of fees increases and licensing products.  Any major increases in fees will have to be phased in over time and there will be limits to the way the band manager charges for access to specific frequencies. In addition, in the first instance, the band manager will be expected to provide users with similar licensing products such as shared licences.  Read More