UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is calling for expressions of interest in acquiring the Ministry of Defence spectrum it will release in the 2015/16 financial year.
Interested parties have until 27 November to respond to the consultation for the 190 MHz of…
UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is calling for expressions of interest in acquiring the Ministry of Defence spectrum it will release in the 2015/16 financial year.
Interested parties have until 27 November to respond to the consultation for the 190 MHz of frequencies, equivalent to around three-quarters of the 4G airwaves that were auctioned earlier this year.
The frequencies are all below the 5 GHz, meaning they will be particularly attractive to existing mobile operators and those looking to deliver 4G broadband.
However, as more devices become connected, from coffee machines to cardiac monitors, Ofcom is also seeking alternative ideas for how the spectrum could be used, and whether an auction is the best process to release them from government control.
CEO Ed Richards said the extra capacity comes as soaring demand for mobile broadband over the next decade is set to place huge demands on the UK’s wireless infrastructure.
“Releasing MOD spectrum onto the commercial marketplace is an important step in helping to meet this extraordinary demand,” he said.
Separately, Ofcom has released proposals that could see mobile operators pay more than four times what they are currently charged to use their existing spectrum.
The potential hike in licensing fees for EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three aims to bring spectrum prices in line with other European countries.
