Consultation on 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands

Ofcom has opened a consultation on proposals for the allocation of spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz band. These frequencies will be used to deliver future 4G services such as WIMAX and LTE as well as other broadband services.
This consultation is about how Ofcom should award this new spectrum in a way that secures the best use for the benefit of citizens and consumers.
The award of the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands was referred to in the Government’s Direction to Ofcom made in December 2010 (the Direction). The Direction requires Ofcom to;

Assess likely future competition in markets for the provision of mobile electronic communication services after the conclusion of the award of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

Hold an auction of the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands as soon as reasonably practicable after concluding the competition assessment.

Revise the annual licence fees paid for 900 MHz and 1800 MHz to reflect full market value having particular regard to the sums bid for licences in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz auction.

Further documents will follow as part of the preparations for the award. These will cover specific technical issues, in particular our proposals for technical conditions to manage the risk of interference into uses that are adjacent to the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands including Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
The consultation is open until the 31st May 2011. Ofcom plans to publish the license regulations in the autumn and begin the auctions in the first quarter of 2012.
Source: Ofcom website
Item added: 28th March 2012