Ofcom begins the Digital Dividend Review (DDR)

Ofcom announced on the 17th October, the start of the Digital Dividend Review, a project which will examine the options arising from the release of spectrum afforded by the digital switchover programme.
Digital broadcasting uses approximately six times less spectrum than the existing analogue equivalent. The switch to digital only services will consequently release a large amount of spectrum, which can be used for other services.
The cleared spectrum – the Digital Dividend – offers real opportunities for wireless innovation and could enable the launch of a wide range of new and different services.
Ofcom estimates that 112 MHz of UHF spectrum will be released for new uses when analogue services are switched off.
The proposed timetable is as follows:
*Digital Dividend Review (DDR) begins – Nov 2005
*Programme team and consultants in place – end 2005
*Stakeholder meetings begin – Jan- Feb 2006
*Outcome of RRC – June 2006
*DDR completed – Q3 2006
*Ofcom publishes final proposals – Q4 2006
*Digital switchover programme begins –  2008
*Digital switchover programme completed – 2012
Source: Ofcom
Item added: 21st November 2005.