Ofcom confirms plans to release spectrum suitable for mobile television

Ofcom today confirmed details of plans to auction radio spectrum
suitable for a range of services, including mobile television and
satellite radio.

Ofcom also announced that the provisional deadline for applications
is 10 April 2008, with the online auction likely to start at the end of
April.

A number of possible uses of the 1452 - 1492 MHz band, the so-called “L-Band”, have been identified including:

• mobile multimedia services including mobile TV which could be deployed using a variety of technologies;
• satellite digital radio; and
• broadband wireless access or high-speed internet on the move.

The release of the spectrum in the 1452 - 1492 MHz band is part of
a wider programme to release around 400 MHz of prime spectrum. Other
awards in this programme include the digital dividend - the spectrum
that will be freed-up through the switch to digital television - and
the 2.6 GHz band.

The spectrum, which is available over much of Europe, will be
released on a technology and service neutral basis, allowing users the
flexibility to decide what technology to use, what services to offer
and to change their use of the spectrum over time. All licences will be
tradable.

Ofcom’s Spectrum Policy Partner, Philip Rutnam said: “ Ofcom’s
fifth award of spectrum in the L-Band is part of the process of
ensuring that the UK’s valuable spectrum resource is used as
efficiently as possible. This spectrum provides an opportunity for
citizens and consumers to benefit from new services and greater
competition.”