First Annual Report of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board
Introduction
1.1 Background
- A rapid way to test new ideas across a wide range of experts;
- A visionary forum in which radical ideas and possibilities beyond Ofcom’s regulatory “headlights” can be identified and explored;
- a demonstration of Ofcom’s commitment to consult industry in an open and collaborative manner; and;
- a mechanism to help reach an agreed industry view of difficult and contentious issues through the hosting of open fora.
Ofcom faces major spectrum management challenges in the light of rapid technological change and market development. An independent advisory board encompassing a collection of individuals with the experience to be able to provide a broad range of advice, was therefore seen as being of great value to Ofcom and it was agreed that Ofcom would establish its own independent advisory board, building on the work of SMAG. It was also agreed that the remit of OSAB would be broadened to provide a high level steer on spectrum related research. This took over the work formerly carried out by the Radiocommunications Agency’s Radio Research Advisory Committee. OSAB’s Terms of Reference are at Annex 1.
1.2 Membership
Sir David Brown (Chairman of Motorola Ltd, and former member of SMAG) was appointed as the first chairman of OSAB, prior to the appointment of members. In agreeing membership, a number of considerations were taken into account. OSAB provides advice through its collective expertise and members are appointed as individuals who are able to take a long term strategic view and set aside their own sectoral interests. Collectively it is important that OSAB is seen as having the ability to contribute effectively on a wide range of spectrum issues, taking account of technical, economic and social considerations. Membership includes ex-officio representation by the Department of Trade and Industry. Details of membership are at Annex 2.
1.3 Work Programme
OSAB is responsible for agreeing its own work programme. Current priorities for OSAB include:
- Broadband Britain and the Digital Divide
- Digital Switchover
- Interoperability e.g. wireless and wireline
- Short range radio technologies
- The balance between licensed and licence-exempt spectrum
- Implication of technological developments e.g. UWB, SDR
- European and global developments
OSAB meets 5-6 times a year and holds an annual brainstorming where a whole day is devoted to a particular issue. Since its establishment OSAB has met on the following occasions (all meetings, except for the annual brainstorming, were held at Riverside House):
21 June 2004
12 July 2004 (sub-group on trading and liberalisation)
27 September 2004
28/29 October (brainstorming)
6 December 2004
21 February 2005
18 April 2005
Further meeting dates for 2005 are:
25 July 2005
12 September 2005
27 September 2005 (meeting with Ofcom Board)
20/21 October 2005 (Brainstorming)
5 December 2005
1.4 The Year Ahead
Looking forward to the year ahead, OSAB has discussed the key issues that should form the core of their work programme. These issues are:
- UK competitiveness (exploring the links between regulatory, industrial and technological policy).
- The future of European spectrum regulation (with particular reference to the forthcoming EU Presidency).
- The Independent Review of Public Spectrum.
- Technological developments (covering a range of issues eg dynamic spectrum allocation, R&D).
- The Digital Dividend (both in terms of spectrum and opportunity gains).
Meeting dates for 2006 are:
20 February
24 April
17 July
18 September
19/20 October- Brainstorming
4 December
1.5 Further Information
For further information on the work of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board, please contact the OSAB Secretary:
Mrs Karen Scott
Secretary, Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board
06/85, Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7981 3749
E-mail: karen.scott@ofcom.org.uk
Or visit the OSAB website at www.osab.org.uk .
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