The decision about what to do with it is just a few short years away in some countries, and already here in others. Every country in the world will have to decide what to do. This is a critical choice for industry, broadcasters, and governments: the last chance for generations to decide what is broadcast terrestrially.

And it is a tough call. Take your pick between many options: standard television, high definition, handhelds and mobiles, wireless broadband, or something more revolutionary like “cognitive radio”. The UK is one of the first regions and is creating several packages for auction:

*National digital terrestrial TV in high or standard definition
*Cognitive radio - a new wireless technology which can deliver broadband
*High-speed mobile broadband and mobile TV
*Local television - 25 new local TV stations across the UK