MPs back Ofcom plan to auction spectrum

A cross-party media select committee has published a report that supports Ofcom's proposed auction of the analogue spectrum after digital switchover.

Some MPs have previously sided with the public service broadcasters and supported reserving spectrum for free-to-view HD services, rather than selling the spectrum to the highest bidder.

ITV's executive chairman Michael Grade voiced concerns last month, saying that Ofcom's approach would "undermine the principle of equality at the moment we finally achieve digital equality."

The committee's report said: "Although we will continue to listen to the arguments, we do not believe that a persuasive case has yet been made to justify reserving spectrum for high-definition television following digital switchover. We endorse Ofcom's approach in not favouring any particular technology or application in the framework being drawn up for reallocation of spectrum under the Digital Dividend Review."