November 28, 2016

Next year, Ofcom will auction 190 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands, an increase of just under a third of the total mobile spectrum currently available. This represents more than three-quarters of the 4G airwaves that were released in 2013.

The 40 MHz of spectrum to be sold in the 2.3 GHz band is already supported by mobile devices, such as the iPhone. These airwaves could be used immediately after release to provide extra capacity, meaning faster downloads and internet browsing for consumers.

The 150 MHz of spectrum to be sold in the 3.4 GHz band is not currently used by most mobile devices, but is likely to be usable by future devices in coming years. The 3.4GHz band has also been identified as central to the rollout of 5G across Europe.

Ofcom proposes to apply a cap in the auction of 255 MHz on “immediately useable” spectrum that any one operator can buy.

The closing date for responses to the consultation is 30 January 2017. For further information, click here.