Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Thursday, 15 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 March 2012. It was answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Radio Frequencies

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what his policy is on using the white spaces in television spectrum for other uses; and what assessment has been made of the potential to use 600 MHz spectrum as white space spectrum.

Answer: The matter raised is an operational one for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom), which is accountable to Parliament rather than Ministers. Ofcom have advised the following information:Ofcom is currently working with stakeholders in industry and Government to develop a framework under which white space devices could be used within television spectrum. Ofcom will be considering the potential use of white space devices in the 600 MHz band following a forthcoming strategy consultation on related bands.

Secondary information