Ofcom 800MHz plan could leave public livid

Ofcom - likely to upset people?
Ofcom - likely to upset people?

British TV viewers could face an astonishing three rounds of returning their digital receivers according to an investigation by What Satellite magazine.

According to WotSat's blog, the Ofcom plan to help in the creation of a pan-European space for mobile broadband and TV could cause misery for thousands who will be forced to retune their receivers.

"The plan…could lead to fewer homes receiving all six Freeview multiplexes instead of the basic three, and restrict the chance of launching more Freeview multiplexes in future."

Third time a charm?

"But it could mean some homes retuning at least three times - for Digital Switchover, for Freeview HD, and then for the 800MHz clearance," Wotsat adds.

The reason behind the clearance of the 800MHz band is to allow mobile companies to provide new services - as happened with the 3G networks.

"Aligning the spectrum would mean that manufacturers could produce equipment for a mass market at a lower unit cost and users could enjoy greater freedom," states Ofcom.

However, as Wotsat points out: "Many regions are likely to have made the switch by the time Ofcom can make firm plans, so they will have to face a second round of re-tuning their digital TV receivers.

"Meanwhile, Freeview homes in Border, West Country, and Wales already face an extra round of retuning when Freeview HD arrives in next couple of years."

Via WotSat

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.

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