Ofcom has confirmed that it will begin to charge broadcasters for the use of spectrum in 2014. The UK media regulator says it will consider any potential effects on broadcasting output with Channel 4 the most likely broadcaster to be effected by the new regime.
In a statement Ofcom said that the growth in demand for wireless applications and services over the last decade meant most of the useful spectrum in the UK was now in use and holders had to be encouraged to use spectrum in the most efficient way possible.
Ofcom will use a principal known as Administered Incentive Pricing (AIP) to charge annual fees base on the opportunity cost of holding the spectrum.
Previously terrestrial broadcasters have paid only administrative based cost fees. Although some commercial broadcasters have paid fees under the Broadcasting Act that contain an implicit charge for spectrum use.
