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UK to hold spectrum auction at end of 2012
13 January 2012
UK regulator Ofcom to auction 800 MHz digital dividend plus 2.6 GHz spectrum and sets coverage obligations
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The UK regulator, Ofcom, wants to extend mobile broadband coverage to 98% of the country’s population following the auction of 800 megahertz spectrum at the end of 2012. The spectrum will become available as a result of terrestrial TV services becoming all-digital.
At the same time the regulator will auction spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz band. The total bandwidth to be auctioned will be equivalent to 75% of the mobile spectrum in use now in the UK.
It has increased the target coverage for 800 megahertz from 95% to 98% following government intervention and the promise of £150 million of public funds to boost mobile coverage in those areas with poor or no mobile service.
Ofcom CEO Ed Richards said: “This is a crucial step in preparing for the most significant spectrum release in the UK for many years.”
Some spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz band will be “shared by a group of companies to deliver innovative new mobile services for consumers”, said Ofcom. “Potential applications include local mobile networks for student campuses, hospitals or commercial offices, which operate on short-range frequencies serving a small area.”
Richards added: “The UK benefits from being one of the most competitive mobile phone markets in Europe. This means that consumers pay less for mobile communications services and have the choice to shop around for packages that suit them best.”
Ofcom has asked people to comment on its proposals by March 22. It will decide how to run the auction in the middle of the year and start the auction in the fourth quarter. GTB
Further reading from Global Telecoms Business:
US senators support 'incentive auctions' 12 Jan 2012
Netherlands to auction spectrum in October 09 Jan 2012
Four to bid in mobile auction in Hungary 05 Jan 2012
Four bid for French 4G licences 16 Dec 2011
Brazil raises $132m in spectrum auction 08 Dec 2011