Ofcom opens consultation on multiplex data limits

The communications regulator Ofcom has opened a consultation on the transmission of non-TV data services on the DTT platform. Currently, non-TV data services are limited to 10% of capacity on each DTT multiplex.
The UK Parliament set the data limit to ensure that the DTT multiplexes would be used mostly for television services rather than data distribution or other communications services.
The Broadcast Act of 1996 empowers Ofcom to set a tighter limit if necessary while the Secretary of State can relax the limit. With the advent of interactive services, Ofcom believes that there is likely to be an increase in the demand for data services.
As such, it plans to publish guidance on what capacity can be used for data services. Responses to the consultation should be sent to Ofcom by 14 September 2006.
Source: Ofcom website and Digitag
Item added: 11th July 2006