The radio spectrum
Ofcom has put forward proposals to deregulate 50,000 of the spectrum licences which could mean greater flexibility for the operation of radio stations around the UK.
The proposal which was published today states that this should be beneficial to the radio market as it will "bring greater flexibility to spectrum use by moving to a market-led approach in place of command and control by the regulator".
Ofcom highlighted that this would be done by not only reducing the 21 licences that are now in place, but reducing them to three basic categories.
Diagram is courtesy of BBC Online ©
It also stated that a flat rate of £75 for a 5-year licence will be introduced for 15,000 of the licences to avoid the current administration system which includes annual renewals.
The following is an exerpt of Charlie Wolf saying that it is time for deregulation to take place in the United Kingdom and follow the USA towards more freedom in radio.