HDTV for Freeview?

Itʼs round one of the HDTV fight, and broadcasters intend to fight to the death.

Broadcasters are set to lobby the government and the media regulator Ofcom to provide spectrum to carry HDTV on Freeview.

Ofcom did not earmark the spectrum for this use. It is hoping to auction the coveted radio spectrum which will be released by the switchover from analogue to digital TV by the end of 2008. Broadcasters (ITV, Channel 4 and the BBC) had been hoping for an edge to help them compete with the TV picture that is being offered by BSkyB.

If the regulator has its way, broadcasters will have to face the competition of other telecom groups at the spectrum auction.

Broadcasters will continue to push their case until the gavel falls on the spectrum. They feel that Freeview is a platform with a lot of investment already put into it, and that it would be a waste to let that investment become second-rate.

Itʼs always better for the broadcasters to be able to get something set aside. Competition for the spectrum will drive prices up and could even push the broadcasters out of the market.

They are hoping that their push for the spectrum to be dedicated to the Freeview and HDTV will be of such a benefit to the public that the government and Ofcom will have to review the situation.