UK telecoms regulator Ofcom plans to free up frequencies in the 700 MHz range for mobile broadband services in what it describes as a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for mobile data spectrum.
The decision will enable mobile network…
UK telecoms regulator Ofcom plans to free up frequencies in the 700 MHz range for mobile broadband services in what it describes as a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for mobile data spectrum.
The decision will enable mobile network operators to use some of the airwaves currently employed for digital terrestrial TV services, such as Freeview, and wireless microphones, the regulator said in a statement.
Another digital switchover will not be needed.
Ofcom aims to make this happen by the start of 2022, or potentially two years earlier.
Consumers and businesses should get faster and cheaper mobile services as a result, the watchdog said, noting that demand for data could be 45 times higher by 2030 than it is today.
EY lead telecoms analyst Adrian Baschnonga described the decision as a boon for mobile players, saying 700 MHz spectrum can pave the way for better in-building signal quality and help resolve the issue of mobile coverage ‘not spots’.
“At the same time, 700 MHz spectrum has a vital role to play in reducing the costs associated with network rollout, in turn stimulating long-term mobile infrastructure investment.”
Ofcom also plans to auction 2.3 GHz and 2.4 GHZ spectrum, also suitable for high-capacity mobile broadband services, in late 2015 or early 2016.
Ed Richards, Ofcom’s outgoing CEO, described the planned auction, which potential bidders have been invited to comment on, as a crucial next step in the development of the UK’s communications infrastructure.
“This decision ensures that we are making the raw materials available with which investors and companies can build the services which will support the digital economy of the future.”
New interim CEO
Separately, Ofcom said Steve Unger will become its interim CEO at the end of the year when Richards steps down.
Currently director of the organisation’s strategy, international, technology and economist group, Unger will serve as CEO until a permanent replacement is found. The regulator expects its board to announce the new appointment in the New Year.
The UK’s four mobile network operators are EE, jointly owned by Deutsche Telekom and Orange, Telefonica’s O2, Vodafone and Hutchison 3G.
