Ofcom consults on 700 MHz, 3.6–3.8 GHz auction

UK regulator Ofcom has published new consultations in preparation of the award of spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.6–3.8 GHz bands.

In December, Ofcom published proposals to auction spectrum in these two bands by early 2020. This included proposed coverage obligations that would mean up to two winning bidders would each have to provide good outdoor mobile coverage to at least 90% of the UK’s landmass within four years of the award.

In addition, the winning bidders would have to reach at least 140,000 properties that do not yet have good outdoor coverage, and deploy at least 500 new transmitter sites.

To prepare for the auction, Ofcom is consulting on:

• proposed regulations that will implement the auction
• a proposal to make four Statutory Instruments in connection with the award
• a proposed approach to verifying compliance with the coverage obligations.
   

All three consultations close on 12 March 2019.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/kstudija

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