Ofcom announces 4G mobile broadband spectrum auction
UK internet services regulator Ofcom has revealed details of the 4G (fourth generation) spectrum auction for mobile broadband services.
The auction of 800MHz and 2.6GHz will help mobile internet providers to get spectrum to improve their services in terms of coverage and speeds, Ofcom said.
Next generation mobile data services like LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiMax which promise faster access over long distances can be launched using this band of spectrum.
In December 2010, Ofcom proposed that 2G spectrum (900Mhz and 1800Mhz) could be used for 3G mobile data services by the operators.
O2, which has 2G spectrum licence announced that it has switched on to new band of spectrum in London while it would extend the same to other major UK cities.
“It (auction) will support a wide range of data services that are fast becoming essential features of the modern world.” Ofcom said in a statement.
“Our role as the independent regulator is to award this spectrum in a way that secures the best use of the spectrum for the benefit of citizens and consumers in the UK.” Ed Richards, the CEO of Ofcom said.
Ofcom will begin the 4G spectrum auction in early 2012.
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