UK communications regulator Ofcom has decided to use the 700 MHz frequency band for mobile broadband services following a consultation earlier this year. Responses indicated that an early auction, possibly as early as 2016, was not the favoured option, with MNOs such as Vodafone arguing that this would make it impossible to know the spectrum’s commercial value because of uncertainty about future market developments.
The regulator currently considers it likely that it will hold an auction up to 2 years before the spectrum begins to become available, which is expected at the start of 2022 or possibly as early as 2020. Using the 700 MHz band for mobile data will allow MNOs to meet meet increasing demand for mobile data with fewer base stations. Ofcom cites research projecting that demand for mobile data could be 45 times higher by 2030 than it is today.
The 700 MHz band is currently used for DTT and wireless microphones in the programme making and special events sector. DTT transmissions use frequencies between 470 and 790 MHz. Ofcom expects the great majority of homes to only have to retune their existing TV equipment, with a very small minority (around 0.5%) possibly needing to change their aerials in 2019 at the earliest.
