Ofcom proposes 700 MHz coverage obligations

UK spectrum regulator Ofcom has announced that it is proposing to attach coverage obligations (PDF) to some of the licences it intends to award for the 700 MHz band.

The 700 MHz band is presently used for digital terrestrial television special events, but is being cleared to make way for mobile services.

The coverage obligations will oblige winning bidders to roll out improved mobile coverage in rural areas and elsewhere across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2017 report, current levels of mobile coverage are not meeting consumers’ needs, with mobile coverage being especially particularly poor in rural areas.

In a statement, Ofcom said, “Given the scale of the problem, this approach will not be able to fix all mobile coverage issues consumers face today. Our proposals therefore form an important part of a wider body of work aimed at improving mobile coverage in the UK.”

The regulator has opened a consultation on its proposals for the coverage obligations and is calling for feedback (RTF file).

Image courtesy NIST.

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