Qualcomm wins U.K. spectrum but coy about plans

Having won the auction for the U.K.-wide L-band spectrum auction, Qualcomm has been reluctant to define what it might be used for other than to "explore emerging business models and advanced mobile technologies."

Qualcomm spent $12.9 million to win the spectrum right to the 1452 MHz to 1492 MHz band, and competing against seven other licensees, Qualcomm claims the license is suitable for offering mobile television, wireless broadband and satellite radio. The spectrum has been released on a technology and service neutral basis, leaving Qualcomm and its partners free to decide what to do next. The frequency band is also available as of now. The main bet, however, is MediaFlo as Europe is fraught with disparate mobile TV standards and Qualcomm has always been chomping at the bit to get a strong foothold in the region.

Andrew Gilbert, an executive VP of Qualcomm, said: "Acquiring this spectrum will enable us to develop, test and explore a variety of innovative wireless services and technologies that will benefit European consumers and the wireless industry as a whole. The company has a long history of innovation and creating new technology markets."

For more on this story:
-read CNNmoney [1]

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