Ofcom consult on spectrum fees

Ofcom is holding a consultation on the way it charges for spectrum (not the old Sinclair computer, but the radio spectrum).

The consultation "SRSP: The revised Framework for Spectrum Pricing" takes not only the management costs into account but also the value of the spectrum to the licensee so Ofcom may charge a premium for certain licenses.

In the UK (as part of the EU) spectrum is a scarcity and therefore a valuable commodity (radio doesn't abide by national boundaries) and spectrum shortages will be likely. Ofcom has to maximise the use of radio spectrum and to this end has introduced 'administered incentive pricing' (AIP) which is where the premium comes in.

Stakeholders are requested to respond by 21/06/2010.

The Consultation is on Ofcom's site