Ofcom proposes change in RTS licences renewal

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As digital switchover approaches in the UK, Restricted Television Service licensees have requested that their long term position be clarified. Ofcom has 18 location-based RTS licences in various locations around the UK, for broadcasting on analogue spectrum. All analogue frequencies used for television broadcasting will no longer be available by the end of the digital switchover process.

Until now the RTS licences have been for a period of four years, and then re-advertised. The watchdog intends to vary all the existing RTS licences until a date shortly before the digital switchover timetable begins. The date that Ofcom proposes for this variation is 30 June 2007 . All other terms and conditions of the licences are unchanged.

Ofcom is also planning to carry out detailed work on the prospects for digital local television in 2005 following on from the Public Service Television Review. Its aim is to be able to give RTS licensees more detailed information about such prospects well in advance of 2007.