Seconds out

In the red corner Ofcom boss (and failed DG candidate) Ed Richards; in the blue, Lord Hall, most other broadcasters, and Caroline Thomson (failed DG candidate, now, amongst other things, Chair of Digital UK).

At stake, the future use of spectrum in the 700mhz UHF band - the way Freeview tv signals reach your home. Ofcom wants to find space for so-called 5G - fifth generation mobile phone and other transmissions (as does Europe in general).  The cost of clearing 700mhz ?  You may need a new aerial, and very likely a new tv or set-top box. There may be interference from mobile phones as digital tv moves to 600mhz. It'll mess up wireless microphones used on stage and in concerts, and wireless connections for cameras and microphones on outside broadcasts. And it may lessen opportunities to deliver improved rural broadband at lower frequencies, through so-called white space in the spectrum.

On the other hand, Ofcom want us to get excited about the "Internet of Things" that 5G might enable. Imagine the Victoria Line automatically connecting to your bedside alarm and Teasmade when it decides to spill cement, and waking you up half an hour early to give you a chance to get to work.

“The demands for mobile data will only increase as millions more wireless devices connect to the internet and each other," says Ed Richards.

 "We must ensure that decisions taken on future use of spectrum avoid a detrimental impact on consumer choice, platform competition, content investment and the wider creative industry and its ability to drive jobs and growth," says Caroline Thomson.

We'll keep you posted.