Ö÷²¥´óÐã

Ofcom had proposed to complete the MIA in less than the standard three month timeframe. However, a range of issues were raised by stakeholders that require further investigation and clarification. The MIA will still be submitted to the Trust by Ofcom within the standard three month period allowed for in the Ö÷²¥´óÐã's Charter and Agreement. The Ö÷²¥´óÐã Trust will also use the time to consider further the level of public value offered by the proposal.

As a result of the extended MIA, the overall Public Value Test (PVT) timetable is likely to change. Subject to ratification by the Trust a revised timetable will be published.

The PVT will still be completed within the six months stipulated by the Charter and Agreement.

Ends.

Notes to Editors

The Ö÷²¥´óÐã Trust's Public Value Test has three components. The first is a Public Value Assessment, carried out by the Trust. The second is a Market Impact Assessment, carried out by Ofcom to terms agreed jointly by the Trust and Ofcom. These run concurrently. The third is the Trust's consideration of both assessments: the Public Value Test, resulting in the Trust's provisional conclusions which it publishes for consultation before reaching its final decision.