UK mobile group O2 has launched a suit over spectrum usage against UK communications regulator Ofcom, writes the Financial Times.
The Telefonica subsidiary accuses Ofcom of failing to allow it to utilise radio spectrum – currently used for 2G – for 3G…
UK mobile group O2 has launched a suit over spectrum usage against UK communications regulator Ofcom, writes the Financial Times.
The Telefonica subsidiary accuses Ofcom of failing to allow it to utilise radio spectrum – currently used for 2G – for 3G services, following the operator’s application to do so last March.
The Labour government, which lost power in this month’s general election, was unable to gain approval from Parliament for a spectrum auction that would have freed up space for increased availability and speed of data services.
The delay in decision making could postpone the nationwide availability of 3G as well as the introduction of 4G.
O2 argues that Ofcom is flouting an EU law requiring member states to reassign 2G spectrum for 3G services by May 9.
The operator says it is anxious to meet growing customer demand, which has risen 20-fold over the last year. Ofcom responded that the delay was the fault of the outgoing government, which had sought to postpone treatment of the application until a spectrum auction had been finalised.