Ofcom reconsider 'digital dividend'

Ofcom is to have a rethink over how it will deal with the "digital dividend", potentially bringing the UK into line with the rest of the EU.

The dividend - the extra spectrum which will be available when television switches from analogue to digital - is currently being eyed-up by a range of companies, including broadcasters and mobile providers.

But the regulator's plan for the sale of the frequencies was criticised from various quarters.

"Several respondents to Ofcom's consultation on the detailed design of the digital dividend's cleared award have suggested that we should make the same spectrum available across Europe particularly for mobile broadband services," said a statement from the organisation.

"We are currently considering this alongside a range of other responses which raise other complex and important issues.

"In our consideration we will focus on what is in the best interests of citizens and consumers."

Last month, new rules from Ofcom meant all VoIP phone providers now have to allow emergency calls to be made on their networks.