RRAC OPEN FORUM 2003 PETER KIDDLE OBE - CHAIRMAN “THE CHANGING SCENE”

TODAY’S PROGRAMME  A REVIEW OF Chairman  THE TG’S YEAR – Prof. Clarkson  RESEARCH PROJECT REVIEW – Prof. Clarkson  OPEN FORUM DISCUSSIONS LUNCH –  PRESENTATION/DEMONSTRATION OF SOME PROJECTS – Prof. Clarkson  QUESTIONS  SUMMARY

Some Key achievements during 2003  SES  Anticipating Research Needs  Project Monitoring

SES (Spectrum Efficiency Scheme)  2003 has been a major success for the scheme – thanks to the RA ERU  Inputs from the Radio Community were beyond expectations  The RA will use a similar approach for 2004 projects

Distribution of SES Research

Anticipating the Research Needs The committee utilises the considerable expertise of its members in brainstorming sessions as:- The first step in defining critical research programmes  Advise initial prioritisation  Talk to the wider radio community  Review its corresponding members inputs -:- This has resulted in the RRAC establishing a substantial information base of ideas and project schemes

Research Project Monitoring We needed to achieve and ensure that:-  All research fits the strategic themes  Projects achieve value for money  Short term or long term economic benefit

Examples of Projects & Research Themes

The First Stage IPCR Programme Government response to ‘Cave’published Oct.2002 RRAC covered considerable detail of work required to support Cave recommendations in the 2002 annual review Present priorities we believe are:-  Quantification of spectrum efficiency  System sharing -Tenders for 3 lead projects have now been invited-

RRAC Third Annual Review

Essential Research beyond 2003 (Annex4)  Remains a working paper  Defines for Ofcom some early essential research needs  Indicates the likely budget to support the work

Essential Research beyond 2003(2) Some early priorities for consideration:- Cave recommendations Interference Management Spectrum Trading Re-Farming Broadband roll-out Convergence of Broadband & Telecom services Wireless in the home environment

The On-going Role of the RRAC (Annex5) RRAC could provide a national forum for discussing and advising on technical research The committee members together possess radio expertise and experience which is quite unique They bring a top level of independent strategic advise and evaluation of research It is anticipated that they will broaden their role in the next 12 months

Future Longer Term Research Planning RRAC expect to consider during 2004:- Exploitation of the higher frequency bands Possible creation of further licence-exempt bands MOD sharing opportunities Re-alignment of broadcasting frequencies & consideration of a cellular distribution system

Ofcom and TECHNICAL RESEARCH WE BELIEVE:- The RA’s Radio Research Strategy is right Ofcom’s commitment to the Cave recommendations requires additional research Telecoms requires research to address it’s future THE CONCLUSION:- More wider research required An increased budget

FINALLY Ofcom faces many challenges in technical research The RRAC are committed to help