Yesterday the following email was sent to licensed users of channel 69

14/08/09 Funding proposals for the move from Ch69 to Ch38 revealed

On 30 July 2009 Ofcom confirmed Ch38 would replace Ch69 during 2012 and that a funding mechanism would be put in place to help those affected by the move.

Ofcom have now published a further consultation: ‘clearing the 800MHz band’ focussing on more detailed points regarding eligibility and the methodology for calculating funding. It also discusses timing and licensing issues surrounding the move to Ch38.

The main proposals are as follows:

Eligibility
Users who will be eligible for funding under the proposals:

· users who purchased before 2 February 2009 equipment capable of tuning to Ch69 but not Ch38; and were also in possession of a valid Ch69 licence after 2 February 2008;
· licensed users who needed to buy Ch69 equipment between 2 February 2009 and 30 June 2009;
· Rental companies

Users who will not be eligible for funding under the proposals:

· Ch31 – 37 and Ch60 – 68 users;
· users whose equipment does not tune to Ch69;
· users whose equipment tunes to 69 but also tunes to Ch38;
· users who have never held a licence to operate Ch69;
· users who purchase Ch69 equipment after 30 June 2009

Residual value of equipment

Under the proposals:

· Funding will be based on the residual value of PMSE equipment in 2012;
· Ofcom propose that funding will not be given for residual value of equipment past 2018

Licensing arrangements

· Ofcom propose to include access to frequencies from Ch39 and 40 in the shared licence arrangements for Ch38 to provide a solution to the issue of providing UK-wide access prior to the UK-wide availability of Ch38
· Ofcom also seek views on the options for new licensing arrangements for Ch38 as detailed on the JFMG website: http://www.jfmg.co.uk/Pages/News/Moving_69.htm

This is only a 5 week consultation so please take the time to look at it and send your thoughts to Ofcom by 11/09/2009. In addition why not take part in the discussion on our PMSE forum. We will gather the feedback and ensure that Ofcom are fully aware of all views expressed.

I and others I’m sure will be concerned by the use of the phrase “Funding will be based on the residual value of PMSE equipment in 2012” as that indicates to me a very minimal sum for many of us that will not get us back to the position we were in before the changes.

Add to this the fact that Channel 38 is not yet available to us anyway and you have a very difficult situation for the radio mic manufacturers and recordists alike.

In addition to the links above a questionnaire can be filled in at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pmse_funding/howtorespond/form which I urge people to do.