UPD Ofcom UK Prep Auction of 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz for 4G Mobile Broadband

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has today confirmed that the national UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, will be taking over responsibility for the forthcoming sale of its former 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz radio spectrum bands for use by 4G based Mobile Broadband services.

The spectrum, which includes 40MHz in the 2.3GHz band (between 2350MHz and 2390MHz) and 150MHz above 3.4GHz (between 3410MHz and 3600MHz), was formerly used for “military purposes” but it’s now being harmonised by Europe for use with civilian Mobile Broadband technology and is “therefore likely to be used for 4G services“.

However it’s worth pointing out that, following an auction by one of Ofcom’s predecessor regulatory bodies, the RadioCommunications Agency, similar spectrum between 3480 and 3500MHz and between 3580 and 3600MHz is already under licence for civil use by UK Broadband (PCCW), which has since launched it its own fixed wireless 4G network in places like Scunthorpe and Swindon.

Ofcom said that a new document seeking expressions of interest from potential users of this spectrum would shortly be published on their website (here).

UPDATE 16th October 2003

The document has now been published (here).