Ofcom confirms mobile broadband spectrum allocation

Confirming reports already in the news about spectrum decisions, Ofcom yesterday formally announced its intention to clear the 800Mhz band of broadcast spectrum for mobile broadband.

The spectrum will be released as part of what's being referred to as the 'digital dividend' - the freeing up of the airwaves by the switch to digital TV; and Ofcom says that the move will bring the UK more into line with the mobile broadband spectrum allocations of our European neighbours.

When the government originally made plans to clear some spectrum back in 2003, smaller sections were considered, but now Ofcom has taken the decision to clear the entire 800Mhz range to make way for the next generation of mobile broadband and to keep us aligned with the rest of Europe. So far Finland, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Denmark have decided to release the whole of the 800 MHz band, with others likely to follow.

The regulator outlines the benefits to consumers as being lower equipment prices, better scope for the next generation of mobile broadband, and more opportunities for competition and innovation in mobile broadband services - benefits which it estimates could be worth £2.5 to £3 billion.

Once the spectrum has been cleared it will be auctioned off to mobile broadband providers, although no timescale has been given for this so far.

• Latest
• Most viewed