Ofcom to auction radio spectrum for new services

Ofcom has announced an auction of new high frequency spectrum that could be used to provide further high capacity broadband services.

The auction is part of Ofcoms plan to make the most effective use of radio spectrum in the UK, and cites new services, choice and competition as the end benefit to the consumer.

The spectrum bands are between 10 GHz and 40 GHz and Ofcom states that can carry “large amounts of data over distances of up to 12 kilometres.”

The spectrum could be used in a number of areas, including broadband and cellular mobile services, but Ofcom is releasing the spectrum on a “technology and service neutral basis”, allowing operators to decide how to use the spectrum and what services to offer.

Ofcom will release the spectrum 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 granted will be tradable by their owners.

Full details of the auction are available here.