On 27 April 2007 Personal Broadband UK Limited was awarded a licence to operate in the band in Ireland by ComReg. The two licences, one to operate in each jurisdiction, will use the same spectrum band: 1785 MHz - 1805 MHz. This offers the opportunity for the development of services across the island of Ireland.

The block of 20 MHz of spectrum will be released on a technology and service neutral basis, allowing Personal Broadband UK Limited to decide how best to use the spectrum, subject to coordination with adjacent spectrum users.

Ofcom’s research into the bands has identified a number of potential uses including:

* wireless broadband access;
* mobile broadcast, such as wireless cameras for outside broadcasts;
* video or closed-circuit television links; and
* extra capacity for the delivery of mobile services.

The licence was auctioned through a sealed bid process on Wednesday 9 May. Personal Broadband UK Limited paid £352,000 for the licence, which was the amount bid by the unsuccessful bidder, Barablu Mobile Holding Limited. Personal Broadband UK Limited bid the higher amount of £501,001, securing the licence at the lower price according to the ‘second price rule’ of the auction.