Substantiating reports in the news about spectrum allocation decisions, telecoms regulator, Ofcom officially declared its decision to free the 800 MHz band of broadcast spectrum for mobile broadband.
Ofcom intends to free this bit of spectrum through a move under which the airwaves will be released by a changeover to digital TV. Ofcom feels that this move would allow the UK to be more in sync with the other European nations on the issue of broadband spectrum allocation.
Initially, in the year 2003, the government had come up with plans to clear smaller segments of the spectrum. However, Ofcom has now decided to free the entire 800 MHz range to give way to the latest generation of mobile broadband services and also to stay in line with the other European nations (click compare mobile internet for the latest services). As of now, countries like
Ofcom says that this move would provide cheaper equipments, greater advancement of mobile broadband services, and better competition among the service providers. The regulator also feels that these aspects would provide a benefit to the tune of £2.5 to £3 billion.
However, no deadlines have yet been set for the auction of the soon to-be freed broadband spectrum to the mobile broadband providers.
