Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom

Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom

Ofcom wishes to liberalise the spectrum in the 900, 1800 and 2100MHz bands.

Currently O2 and Vodafone license the 900MHz band for 2G GSM services, 1800MHz is used by PCN GSM service and 2100MHz for 3G services.

Under the new regime, Ofcom will allow the bands for any purpose, but it's expected the operators will use the GSM bands for 3G use, the spectrum will also be tradable.

As part of the re-organisation Ofcom want O2 and Vodafone to release 2 x 5MHz of spectrum that will be re-auctioned, O2 and Vodafone will be given at least a year's notice to move out of the bands.

Any interested parties should comment to Ofcom by 1st 2009.