Mobile on the rise: 4G auctions populate

With the first spectrum policy programme being discussed at the European Parliament, the refarming in the 900 and 1800 MHz under way and the digital dividend being released, 2011 is likely to be the spectrum year.

As an example, Ofcom announced today that it is launching a consultation re. an auction of the 800MHz digital dividend band and 2.6MHz band.

Highlights are:

Timing. Ofcom wants to start the auction in the first quarter of 2012.

Duration. Unlike other countries, licences are of undefinite terms.

Spectrum Floor. Ofcom proposes one of the following five combinations:
2×5 MHz of sub 1 GHz spectrum and 2×20 MHz or more of 2.6 GHz; or
2×5 MHz of sub 1 GHz spectrum and 2×15 MHz or more of 1800 MHz; or
2×10 MHz of sub 1 GHz spectrum and 2×15 MHz or more of 2.6 GHz; or
2×10 MHz of sub 1 GHz spectrum plus 2×10 MHz or more of 1800 MHz; or
2×15 MHz or more of sub 1 GHz spectrum.

Spectrum caps. Two caps are proposed:
- A sub 1GHz safeguard cap of 2×27.5 MHz, which will mean that no one competitor can obtain more than this amount of sub 1 GHz spectrum.
- An overall spectrum holdings cap of 2×105 MHz, which will mean that no one competitor can obtain more than this amount of spectrum overall.

Coverage obligations. Ofcom proposes to include a coverage obligation in one licence for the 800 MHz spectrum. The obligation would require the licensee to provide a mobile broadband service covering 95% of the UK population bu 2017.

This follows previous moves on the Digital Dividend from other regulators in countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Germany and Sweden. In those two last countries, 800 MHz spectrum has already been awarded.