The scheme facilitates the accelerated clearance of the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum ahead of its release for new mobile services. Current mobile devices already cover this band for 4G mobile services, and in the longer term, low frequency spectrum such as the 700 MHz band could be suitable for 5G. PMSE users, including theatres, broadcasters, and live music and sporting events, will no longer have access to this part of the radio spectrum in the UK from 1st May 2020.

To support the 700 MHz PMSE funding scheme, which will compensate up to 20,000 items of PMSE equipment, Equiniti will operate the Ofcom Claims Management System (OCMS). OCMS supports a digital claims processing journey, allowing registration, claims management, communications and payments to be made, as well as facilitating real-time reporting between Ofcom, Claimants, and Equiniti.

Gavin Lane, Senior Director at Equiniti, commented: “We are delighted to have won this contract and look forward to working in collaboration with Ofcom again having managed a similar project for them nearly a decade ago. Since then, Equiniti has broadened its range of client propositions and established its pedigree in the flawless execution of highly-complex, multi-disciplinary projects – this winning bid evidences our digital journey and expertise in registration and payments. We are naturally delighted to be working with Ofcom again on this large scale project.”