§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade who has been awarded the contract for the management and licensing of the radio spectrum used for making programmes and similar activities. [20989]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorI announced on 13 June 1996,Official Report, column 269 my intention to appoint a single spectrum management organisation with responsibility for licensing all programme making spectrum.
JFMG Ltd., has been awarded the contract for managing the radio spectrum used for programme making. The award followed competitive tender which the Radiocommunications Agency conducted.
The new contract runs for three years from 1 April, with the option of a two-year extension. JFMG Ltd. is authorised under the Contracting Out (Functions relating to Wireless Telegraphy) order 1996 to grant, on the Secretary of State's behalf, licences to programme makers. These include programme production companies, broadcaster, outside broadcast companies, film companies, theatres and conference centres, and participants in sporting events.
The new contract will give all programme makers access to the available spectrum on equal terms. It will also allow the more efficient and flexible use of the spectrum in a rapidly developing industry.
390WThe contract replaces arrangements that have operated since 1990. Under them, the spectrum available for programme making has been divided into two distinct pools. Each pool has been managed separately by ASP Frequency Management Ltd. and the Broadcasters' JFMG Ltd. Their contracts terminate on 31 March.