OSAB was established in May 2004 to provide independent advice to Ofcom on strategic spectrum management issues.

Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board – Terms of Reference

1. The terms of reference for the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board are:

1. The Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board are to provide independent, strategic advice on spectrum policy issues to Ofcom.
2. While the primary role of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board is to look beyond Ofcom’s normal planning period, there will also be a need to take a high level view of near-term issues. In particular, the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board are to advise on:
   • The UK Spectrum Strategy, major Ofcom allocation decisions, spectrum management, and the application of spectrum pricing/trading
   • The spectrum policy objectives to be pursued in relevant international fora
   • New technologies or means of managing the radio spectrum and their implications for Ofcom
   • The high-level strategic direction for Ofcom’s research programme, including key areas of market and technical research required for new spectrum allocation and analysis of gaps in industry/academia research programmes.
   • The extent to which spectrum policy objectives create a climate for innovation.
   • The need to safeguard the interests of citizen-consumers eg protection of vulnerable users, change management etc
3. The Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board will be responsible for agreeing its own work-programme. Spectrum-related topics that might be considered include:
   • Broadband Fixed Wireless Access
   • Digital TV Switchover
   • Interference Management
   • Interoperability eg wireless and wireline
   • Broadband Public Safety
   • Defence use of Spectrum
   • Short-range Radio Technologies
   • Private Mobile Radio
   • Introduction of Spectrum Trading
   • The balance between licensed and licence-exempt spectrum
   • Development of new technologies eg UWB, SDR
   • Review of spectrum efficiency
   • Trends in international relations
4. To avoid any conflict of interest, members of OSAB will not have access to confidential information pertaining to Ofcom decisions affecting specific companies. This does not however preclude the discussion of potential Ofcom policies.
5. With the support of Ofcom staff, reporting shall include an Annual Report, publication of key findings on the Ofcom website, and hosting occasional Open Fora.
6. Members of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board should be drawn from a mix of commercial, academic and consulting backgrounds, in order to assess topics in a multidisciplinary manner, and to advise Ofcom on spectrum matters of strategic significance. Membership will include ex-officio representation by the Department of Trade and Industry who will participate fully in discussions but reserve the right to abstain from agreement on substantive matters. The Board should also consider how best to make use of global expertise, particularly from countries with innovative spectrum management policies eg through regular liaison, international representation etc. Members will not receive remuneration other than reimbursement of expenses.

2. An MoU has been established between Ofcom and the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board to establish their terms of reference and the basis of the Board’s establishment.

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