Whilst the fine may technically be due to a breach of contract, the outcome is that they are being fined for not broadcasting.
If they were still on the air today, then there would be no fine pending. So it amounts to the same thing however you want to describe it.

But I agree with your view that they have squandered a precious natural resource and I have no problem with a large fine being issued as a deterrent.

The now vacant channel should be reassigned with quick action. Sadly, OFCOM don't do quick as they are a bureaucratic sloth-like government department like most of them.

The licence should be revoked in the next couple of weeks then the frequency immediately re-advertised with any interested parties invited to tender with the new station on air in a few months.

I appreciate Freddie's comments that it is a far from ideal MW network to take over but no one is being forced. If a business thinks they can make it pay and they are going in with their eyes open then what's the problem. You don't have to listen.

I am sure the frequency could be back in use in a relatively short period of time with a ready made transmitter network already available at the flick of a switch.

Does anyone know if it's likely that Absolute had a break point in their contract with Arqiva to allow them to get out now without having to pay the outstanding sum for the full length of the contract ?