UK telecom regulator Ofcom has published an update on plans to release 190 MHz military frequencies in the 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands for mobile services. The regulator has begun a public consultation until 26 June on awarding most of the frequencies at the end of the year or in early 2016, with the remainder held back until a later date. It writes that this approach may be preferable to the alternatives of either awarding all of the spectrum or delaying the award, although both those options remain open. Ofcom will determine later in the year the best approach to making the spectrum available, following stakeholder responses and the condition of the market.
Under the latest decisions, Ofcom would issue licences for the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands for an indefinite period, but with an initial term of 20 years after which licence fees may be payable. There will be no coverage obligations placed on this spectrum. This is because the frequencies being auctioned are better suited for high capacity and faster speeds, rather than achieving wide geographical coverage.
