Rumour Mill: UK operators to keep 3G licences, but with conditions

A review by the UK Communications Minister seems likely to recommend that UK mobile operators will not have to renew their 3G licences provided they support the government's universal broadband plans. The study, due for release shortly, also appears certain to mandate that both fixed and mobile operators will be jointly responsible for bringing broadband capable of at least 2Mbps to everybody in the UK by 2012. What is less clear is the reaction by the service providers given they will be required to invest several billion Euro to upgrade and extend their broadband infrastructure. The five UK-based 3G operators spent a collective £22.5 billion on their 20-year 3G licences.

For more on this story:
TeleGeography and ISP Review

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