Providing spectrum information

Summary

Executive summary

1.1 This consultation document outlines our proposals for the provision of information relating to the radio spectrum and discusses issues surrounding data disclosure. We are proposing to release identified spectrum information in order to comply with legal requirements placed on us under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) to progressively make environmental information available to the public by electronic means. In addition, we are also seeking views on proposals to make available additional information to further the interests of citizens and consumers.

1.2 There are a range of statutory obligations placed on us to publish information about the authorisation and regulatory arrangements for spectrum in the UK, for example the requirement to publish a UK Plan for Frequency Authorisation under Section 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (the WT Act).

1.3 As a public authority, we are also subject to a number of other pieces of legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and EIR. These require us to make available specific information to the general public except where the information is covered by an exemption or exception to disclosure, and it is in the public interest not to disclose. After reviewing the information contained in the WT Act licences issued by us, it has become apparent that certain information that we hold is classified as environmental and we are therefore required to make it progressively available.

1.4 As radio waves cannot be seen or touched, the availability of published information is one of the few ways to understand what the radio spectrum is currently used for, who holds the rights to use it and where it is being used. Information plays an important role for many stakeholders when they are making decisions relating to network planning, interference management and possible trades of usage rights. Such disclosure is in the wider public interest as it is also an important aspect in the future development of spectrum policy.

1.5 We already publish a range of spectrum related information covering a variety of areas. In this consultation we are seeking views on the information that we already provide and additional spectrum information that would be useful to stakeholders. For example, for new awards of spectrum, we currently publish the names of the winning bidders and the prices that they paid. We are seeking views on whether information relating to the price paid for spectrum in secondary trading would help the market. Our approach to disclosure also takes into account requirements to protect sensitive information and comply with legal obligations on information disclosure.

Next steps

1.6 Following the publication of this consultation document, stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback. The consultation will be open for twelve weeks and close at 5pm 2 November 2009. We expect to release a statement on the issues raised in this consultation and the steps we will take later this year, having taken into account the stakeholder responses to our proposals.

The full document is available below