News - March 2006

CADS Trial extended (yes, again).
Once again, Ofcom have decided to extend the CADS trial period.
The trial was originally intended for one year, from August 2004 to August 2005. In 2005, Ofcom announced that the trial would be extended to August 2006. However, Ofcom have now decided to extend the trials once more, until March 2007.

What does this mean for CB and CADS?
As all other plans were dependent upon the outcome of the trials, no decisions will be taken at least until the extended trial is finished.
At that point, Ofcom may even extend the trial again rather than make a decision about the services.

  Licensing of CB will most likely continue at least until the trial is finished. However, as SSL have a contract, Ofcom are unlikely to stop licensing during an existing contract.
  The old "27/81" band will continue as CB at least while trials continue.
  Apart from the few trial cities, the old band will be CB only for at least the CADS trial period.

Why?
From what I have seen, there is no indication of why the trial is being extended. It is possible that they just don't believe they have tested it long enough to see just how it will impact upon other services and neighbourhoods.
It is also possible that recent events have made the government think about the service a bit longer and harder. It is possible that they are considering the impact such a service may have upon some other ideas presently being considered regarding national security.

Further information.
Information about this change, along with the full document, can be obtained from Ofcom.