Written question asked by Mike Weatherley (Conservative) on Monday, 9 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 January 2012. It was answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) on Friday, 20 January 2012 on behalf of the Ofcom.

Digital Broadcasting

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage licensed use of programme making and special events equipment after digital switchover; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The matter raised is an operational one for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Accordingly, my officials spoke to Ofcom, who advised:"““The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 prohibits the installation or use of wireless telegraphy equipment unless an appropriate licence has been obtained from Ofcom. For programme making and special events (PMSE) JFMG, who issue Wireless Telegraphy Act licences on Ofcom's behalf, are actively issuing licences in Channel 38. The funding scheme for channel 69 has provided a substantial contribution to the cost of migration to channel 38 to licensed users only. JFMG continue to make information available on our behalf on the licence options for PMSE users.””"

Secondary information