Friday, 19 June 2009

D i g i t a l . B r i t a i n . R e p o r t

Digital Britain: Analogue radio switch-off set for 2015

  • FM spectrum will be filled by a new tier of ultra-local radio consisting of small local commercial and community stations. Radio stations currently broadcasting on medium wave will upgrade to DAB (digital audience broadcasting).
  • DAB must reach 90% of all the population and all major roads before the upgrade timetable can begin.
  • The report says that for the DAB transmitter to work, it will need a large amount of money from other commercial opperators, apart from the BBC.
  • Commercial radio operators have so far been unable to make niche digital services pay.
  • Fixed-line telephone users will pay £6 a year to fund the rollout of superfast broadband across the country.
  • A 50p-a-month levy on every copper telephone line will help pay for next-generation broadband for 90% of the population.
  • The government wants everyone to be able to receive broadband of at least 2Mbps by 2012 as it puts more public services online.
  • The government has said they will use part of the BBC fee to help fund the ITV regional news service.
  • The more people do illegal filesharing it will eventually slow down their broadband connection.
  • British ISPs will be required to cut illegal filesharing on their networks by 70% within a year under new powers set to be given to the communications regulator Ofcom.
  • Persistant file infringers will see their details passed onto right holders, where they can then sue them in court. The can also face bans.
  • Artists, musicians and record labels, said that it thinks the proposals will not succeed in achieving such a cut.
  • If there is not a decrease of up to 70% after the first year, the government will use it's powers to introduce further measures, eg cutting down internet connection to offenders.
  • It may also take a very long time, as the government is only consulting, and the legislation will enact months after this.
  • By Gurjoth & Sajel

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