UK set for major mobile broadband boost

Government auction of radio spectrum freed up by TV digital switchover paves way for new high-speed services

New mobile services are on the way

The speed and availability of mobile broadband services across the UK is set to be improved and extended as a result of government plans for new radio spectrum auctions that will bring coverage to 99 per cent of the population.

As part of its commitments to the Digital Britain plan, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has launched a consultation on a new strategy for modernising the use of wireless spectrum in the UK.

The imminent availability of radio frequencies made available by the digital switchover of television broadcasts will allow mobile operators and telecoms firms to provide new high-speed services.

In addition, the government intends to give new instructions to communications regulator Ofcom to further liberalise the mobile market.

The recommendations are based on the advice of the Independent Spectrum Broker, Kip Meek, whose final report into the future of the UK’s radio spectrum has been published today.

The key measures proposed are:

• Making existing spectrum used by the five mobile network operators tradable, and their licences indefinite and subject to new annual licence fees. This would allow mobile firms to acquire frequencies suitable to new services they might wish to launch.
• The auction for newly available frequencies in the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands to proceed as soon as possible, leading to new next-generation mobile broadband and boosting the potential for new services such as WiMax.
• Capping the amount of spectrum that mobile firms can use, to ensure continued competition in the market.
• Creating an obligation on purchasers of 800MHz spectrum to offer retail services to 99 per cent of the population.
• Firms currently holding 900MHz 3G-compatible spectrum will be mandated to provide wholesale access in rural areas.
• Extending existing 3G services to cover 90 per cent of the population.

The moves are designed to support the Digital Britain goal of universal broadband service to everyone in the UK, through either fixed-line or mobile access.

“It’s vital that we make the best use of the digital spectrum and ensure that sufficient bandwidth is available for sophisticated next-generation services, and not just calls and texts,” said Digital Britain minister Stephen Timms.

“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.”