John
07-28-2010, 10:11 PM
The government on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for a mobile spectrum auction that is expected by the end of 2011, as part of the push to enhance Internet broadband access around the country.
The government said it wanted the media regulator Ofcom to carry out a combined auction of 800 megahertz and 2600MHz spectrum to enable operators to extend the delivery of high speed mobile broadband services.
"We want the UK market to remain at the fore of delivering services like the iPad and smart phones but they need the networks to continue to improve and increase services," Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said in a statement.
"Under our plans, our mobile industry will have access to the 21st Century infrastructure it needs to give UK consumers the latest technologies and even better coverage for broadband on their mobile phones."
Ofcom will also make third generation mobile licences indefinite to encourage greater investment in 3G services and the regulator will apply an annual licence fee to reflect the market value of the licences.
The government said it wanted the media regulator Ofcom to carry out a combined auction of 800 megahertz and 2600MHz spectrum to enable operators to extend the delivery of high speed mobile broadband services.
"We want the UK market to remain at the fore of delivering services like the iPad and smart phones but they need the networks to continue to improve and increase services," Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said in a statement.
"Under our plans, our mobile industry will have access to the 21st Century infrastructure it needs to give UK consumers the latest technologies and even better coverage for broadband on their mobile phones."
Ofcom will also make third generation mobile licences indefinite to encourage greater investment in 3G services and the regulator will apply an annual licence fee to reflect the market value of the licences.