Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has approved plans set out by the BBC and Arqiva to jointly market spare multiplex capacity that could allow for the introduction of two new Freeview channels.
The BBC's spare capacity on Multiplex B, made available partly via the reduction of red-button interactive services in October, will be combined with Arqiva's spare capacity on Multiplexes C and D - available as a result of technical upgrades during the digital switchover process.
A combination of the two will allow third-party broadcasters to bid for the opportunity to launch two new 24 hour digital TV channels.
In its letter of approval, Ofcom's competition policy director Yih-Choung Teh stated that "we recognise that consumer benefits can be achieved by pairing and offering jointly to the market the BBC’s temporary and geographically limited spare channel capacity on Multiplex B and Arqiva’s channel capacity on Multiplexes C and D to be made available at Digital Switchover".
The BBC and Arqiva are now expected to auction the available Freeview slots, but there are currently no indications as to who may buy the available capacity.
