Ofcom proposes spectrum trading in mobile bands
UK regulator says this will help operators respond to demand for new services more quickly
Published: 2 February, 2011
READ MORE: Spectrum | UK | Regulator
UK regulator Ofcom is to allow spectrum trading for the first time in the mobile bands, namely 900MHz, 1.8GHz and 2.1GHz. The agency says its proposed changes will allow more efficient use of spectrum by allowing operators "with a greater need" to bid for frequencies from those who are underusing it.
"It is hoped that this added flexibility will help operators to respond more quickly to demand," said Ofcom in a statement. Its proposal and consultation document explain that, although spectrum trading was introduced to the UK in the 2004 Trading Regulations, "the rights to use 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum are currently not specified. Rather than amending the 2004 Trading Regulations, for reasons of administrative convenience, we propose to make new regulations which authorize the trading of rights to use mobile spectrum, specifically 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2.1GHz spectrum."
Interested parties have until next month to respond to the consultative document.
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