News - March 2006
CADS Trial extended (yes, again).
Once again, Ofcom have decided to extend the CADS trial period.
The trial was originally intended for one year, from August 2004 to August
2005. In 2005, Ofcom announced that the trial would be extended to August 2006.
However, Ofcom have now decided to extend the trials once more, until
March 2007.
What does this mean for CB and CADS?
As all other plans were dependent upon the outcome of the trials, no decisions
will be taken at least until the extended trial is finished.
At that point, Ofcom may even extend the trial again rather than make a decision
about the services.
Licensing of CB will most likely continue at least until the trial is
finished. However, as SSL have a contract, Ofcom are unlikely to stop licensing
during an existing contract.
The old "27/81" band will continue as CB at least while trials
continue.
Apart from the few trial cities, the old band will be CB only for
at least the CADS trial period.
Further information.
Information about this change, along with the full document, can be
obtained from Ofcom.