Spectrum is a national resource not a Treasury revenue raiser - Foster

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 2nd Apr 2007

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government not to use the spectrum which becomes available when the analogue TV signal is switched off as a 'cash cow'.

Ofcom intends to auction off the spectrum to the highest bidder. Major players in the mobile broadcasting market have today requested that Ofcom speed up the sale.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP has written to Tessa Jowell calling for a national debate on the best way for spectrum to be allocated.

Commenting, Don Foster said:

"Spectrum is an incredibly valuable national resource and the public deserve to have a say in how it is used after the switchover to digital.

"It is essential that we're allowed a full and frank debate to make sure that the people of this country get the technology and services they want rather than just using it as a Treasury 'cash cow'.

"I am very concerned that spectrum is about to be sold off to the highest bidder, with little concern as to how this national resource could benefit society as a whole.

"Rushing this decision through would be highly irresponsible and could have a significant negative effect on the future of our country's media."