Government to Auction off Spectrum for New Mobile Broadband Services

The Government has announced that it will auction off previously unavailable areas of the radio spectrum to pave the way for a new generation of mobile broadband services after a recent "competitive assessment of future 3G and 4G markets, including the potential for new entrants".



The Government hope that the sale will take place in 2011, which means that potentially, services could be available by 2012.



"The past 20 years has seen a revolution in mobile technologies – but we need the networks to continue to improve and increase services" said Communications Minister Ed Vaizey.



Vaizey further commented "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."



Communications regulator Ofcom will coordinate an auction of both the 2.1GHz and 800MHz spectrum "as soon as possible" the Government said. The existing 2G spectrum at 900MHz and 1800MHz will also be freed up to increase the use of 3G technologies.



Users who currently use the 800MHz spectrum have been forewarned by the Government of its intentions and will be compensated so that they are able to invest in new equipment.



During 2000, the 3G spectrum auction raised around £22.5 billion.



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