Government keen to expand mobile broadband coverage

  • October 19, 2009

As a part of its ‘Digital Britain’ broadband campaign, the government has today issued a consultation to implement the proposals suggested by the Independent Spectrum Broker (ISB), Kip Meek  to make the best use of the digital spectrum or air waves for the expansion of wireless and mobile broadband services in UK.

Kip Meek’s report, published in May 2009, provides various recommendations on how to free up the digital spectrum to help mobile broadband expand its reach as well as improve its quality to meet the future needs.

Digital Britain Minister Stephen Timms said:

“This package will free up the airwaves for the expansion of wireless and 3G services, increasing their reach to consumers and businesses across as much as 90 per cent of the country, including rural communities.”

“I would also like to thank Kip Meek who has had to weigh up very complex issues in producing a report which marks a clear way forward.”

According to him, it is important that ‘sufficient bandwidth is available for sophisticated next generation (mobile broadband) services, and not just calls and texts.’

After reviewing the Kip Meek’s recommendations, Digital Britain report has added a few guidelines to resolve some technical issues, it was staed. Today’s consultation was published along with Meek’s final report for the review of stakeholders who can offer their views until 8th january 2010.

A Direction containing the Kip Meek’s proposals will also be sent to UK telecom regulator, Ofcom for further study.