Wifi Revolution

Ofcom, the U.K.’s independent regulator of communications industries, today presented plans to auction licenses for three radio spectrum bands, and asked for input on the proposals.

 

The spectrum bands in question—2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz, and 2290-2300 MHz (a total of 216 MHz)—are primarily of interest to providers of mobile broadband and other advanced wireless services, Ofcom said.

 

Awarding these spectrum bands to auction participants is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the finite and valuable resource is optimally used. Toward that end, the spectrum will be auctioned “on a technology and service neutral basis,” allowing “organisations to decide how best to use the spectrum within certain minimum technical specifications to prevent harmful interference.”

 

Ofcom said its broader initiative includes the release of 400 MHz of prime spectrum (12 different bands) to the market, which hopefully will create opportunities for more competition and innovation in the wireless services market.

 

What type of services might the spectrums relating to the Monday announcement be used for? Ofcom said it is open to ideas as it considers “on proposals to package and auction the spectrum to offer maximum flexibility.”

 

Among the possible uses are:

Given the increasing convergence of communications services, it is not unthinkable that the spectrum will be used in ways combining all of the above suggestions.

 

Ofcom proposes to release the spectrum in question through two auctions. In the first proposed auction, the bands 2500-2690 MHz and 2010-2025 MHz would be packaged in lots and auctioned together, with participants open to bid for multiple lots. This first auction would take place online using a secure server.

 

In a second proposed auction, the bands 2290-2300 MHz would be packaged as a single lot, and auctioned off in sealed bidding.

 

In both cases, licenses would be tradable.

In its report Monday, Ofcom stressed that—in keeping with the Communications Act of 2003—the auctions are intended to “promote optimal use of the spectrum in the interests of consumers and citizens and not to raise revenue.”

 

Ofcom CEO Ed Richards added in a statement: “Spectrum is a valuable resource that is central to the operation of modern communications. Releasing more spectrum to the market will create new opportunities for innovation in wireless technologies, promoting competition and driving convergence.”

 

Comments on the proposed auctions can be submitted through March 9, 2007.

Related Articles

Back to WiFi Revolution home