:: 24/07/2012

United Kingdom - Ofcom issues plans for 4G auction

The communications regulator Ofcom has opened a statutory consultation on its plan to auction spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands for the provision of mobile broadband services. This statutory consultation is open until 11 September.

According to the draft decision, Ofcom would like to begin the auction process by the end of the year so that services could launch by the end of 2013. According to Ofcom, prospective bidders will need to submit their application to participate in the auction by the end of the year and the bidding will take place in early 2013. License holders will be able to roll-out their networks in mid-2013.

Ofcom will require one operator with a license to operate services in the 800 MHz band to provide indoor reception to t least 98% of the population by the end of 2017. This same operator will also be required to provide indoor coverage to 95% of the population in each of the UK nations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). Ofcom hopes that this obligation on one operator will impel other operators to expand their own network coverage.

Ofcom also plans to reserve spectrum for a fourth national telecom operator to help ensure a competitive market.

Source: Ofcom website