Enabling next-generation mobile services - UK spectrum policy Peter Bury, Director of Spectrum Policy, OFCOM Abstract Wireless communications is a key area of innovation and opportunity: Ofcom is responsible for regulating the radio spectrum which underpins all such services. Ofcom's objective is to create conditions in which competition and innovation in wireless services can flourish, while ensuring that harmful interference is minimised. Ofcom's approach is to increase the role of the market in determining what spectrum is used for and who can use it. This will be achieved through spectrum liberalisation, spectrum trading and the award of new spectrum licences by auction. Ofcom also works in international forums to encourage flexibility in spectrum allocation and usage so that new services and technologies can develop a harmonised approach across countries where the market justifies this Peter Bury - Biography In a 25 year career in communications innovation, Peter Bury has led some of the seminal developments of the field. He was part of the team which launched Prestel, the UK’s first ever mass-market electronic information service. As MD of Telecom Gold he introduced the UK’s first e-mail service; and then led the product development and marketing teams for Lotus and Mercury. In 1994 he set up and led the technology watch and corporate venturing arm of Cable and Wireless in Silicon Valley. Peter became Head of R&D at the BBC’s Kingswood Warren lab in 1998, leading the technology team which launched BBC services on the digital TV platforms; developed new capabilities for production and transmission; and planned the BBC’s use of radio spectrum. In 2004 he joined Ofcom as Director of Spectrum Policy, leading a transformation in the use of the radio spectrum by increasing the role of market mechanisms in awarding and managing spectrum. He is responsible for the strategic management of the spectrum used for mobile communications, wireless broadband and broadcasting, and for Ofcom’s relationships with stakeholders in these areas. Peter holds MA and PhD degrees from Cambridge and an MBA from Warwick University.