Broadband plan to replace Digital Dividend auction

The much touted sale of spectrum released through the Digital Dividend could be abandoned under proposals being considered by the UK’s communications minister Lord Carter according to Broadband TV News.
Companies could now be gifted spectrum within the UHF bands in return for a commitment to providing high speed broadband access. The suggestion comes in the latest leak of Lord Carter’s interim digital dividend report, released to The Sunday Times, and scheduled for publication on January 26.
A change in emphasis to drive public policy saves the government from potential embarrassment should companies choose to make lower bids in the light of current economic circumstances.
It was previously envisaged that a spectrum auction under the auspices of regulator Ofcom might raise the exchequer close to £5 billion.
Source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 19th January 2009