Bill Ray writes in The Register: UK regulator Ofcom has published the list of approved bidders for the forthcoming L-Band spectrum (1452-1492MHz). One bidder is WorldSpace. It has already bought the rights to the upper (12.5MHz wide) block in Switzerland Germany and Italy, and is confident it’ll grab it in the UK too.
Part of WorldSpace’s confidence is based on the Maastricht 2002 Plan, which allocates that top block to satellite radio across Europe. Unfortunately for WorldSpace, the UK is not a signatory to that agreement, so not bound by it, though anyone operating in the top block will not be protected (legally) from interference coming from WorldSpace’s broadcasts which cover most of the continent.
(Source: The Register)
on Apr 20th, 2008 at 00:01
GOOD ON YOU WORLDSPACE…. this may be a way to have more of radio caroline in the uK
on Apr 21st, 2008 at 09:40
That spectrum space was originally supposed to be where DAB, which was originally intended to be a satellite-delivered L band service optimised for in-car reception, was placed. However, time was needed to move the military users out of the way, and so DAB was put in Band 3 as a temporary parking place until its intended L band home was available. I wonder if it’ll ever get there now!
on Apr 21st, 2008 at 09:55
One can but wonder where ‘Worldspace’ are going to find the funds to build all theses networks they promise with these licence awards around Europe.
God knows they don’t have two halfpennies to rub together ..!