Save Our Sound UK put its case before UK Government officials last week and walked away disappointed.
The campaign is pushing for fair compensation for users of wireless microphones as they evicted from channels that are being sold off by Ofcom.
Save Our Sound UK members were informed that the Treasury and BIS (Department for Business Innovation and Skills) are trying to find “the right” compensation scheme. However, representatives of the campaign say they are fearful that even if a package is offered it may not be any better than the original Ofcom proposal that prompted the launch of Save Our Sound UK.
They report that the Government appears to be sticking to the line that only Channel 69 capable equipment will qualify and that compensation levels will be based on residual value of equipment.
With the industry being evicted from Channels 31-37 and 61-68 many of those loosing out may not receive any compensation. Additionally, owners of Channel 69 equipment would not be compensated fully.
The previous Government’s position was to ensure that any compensation package should leave the PMSE sector ‘no better, no worse off’ as a result of the changes to spectrum access. The new coalition administration has yet to commit to this and Save Our Sound UK says it is extremely concerned.
Final decisions have yet to be made on the structure and scope of any compensation package but it is possible that decisions will be finalised by the end of July 2010, before Parliament rises for summer recess. Save Our Sound UK is calling on its supporters to contact their recently elected MPs as a matter of urgency to highlight the issues and ask them to pursue a satisfactory outcome.