Ofcom gives six operators green light to bid for spectrum

Ofcom has given all four UK mobile operators the go-ahead to bid in the forthcoming 4G and 5G auction, as well as Hull-based fixed wireless ISP Connexin and Airspan Spectrum Holdings, a subsidiary of US outfit Airspan. Spectrum in two bands will be made available through the auction process, which Ofcom expects to start in …

[John 156]

Why is a US based equipment manufacturer bidding for network bandwidth in the UK?

[Philippe]

For one of two reasons:

They either want to hold it for re-sell it at a higher price later on, or they're planning to lunch a fixed wireless business similar to what UK Broadband does in Central London.

[Anonymous Coward]

US-Based?? Slough, Ohio??

A little research would have shown that there are far more people based in Bath Road, Slough and Tel Aviv, than the team selling and delivering to Sprint in the US.

[Anonymous Coward]

Why are we selling the spectrum? Surely the most effective way would be to licence it for a specific period of time then you can re-use/sell it because lets face it no one knows what it may be needed for in 25 years time.

[Anonymous Coward]

We're not selling the spectrum. Ofcom issue indefinite licences, but there's a minimum term (20 years last time) beyond which the licence can be revoked (with 5 years notice) if required for spectrum management reasons. Oh, and in addition to the initial licence fee there are annual licence fees. So actually pretty close to what you suggested, and maybe even better.

[Anonymous Coward]

Thanks, I did think it rather an odd way to do it.

[Nocroman]

Another bad deal for all customers. The corporations get richer and the customers get screwed. When mergers and buyouts like this happen. Customers should all receive $1,000.00 or the free option to leave the (if any) contract they are under with no penalties.

[Anonymous Coward]

Do Not Feed The...

Copy and paste much?

You were right with the first sentence, a beauty contest would yield better experience and lower prices but, really do you not read the articles that you comment upon?

This is OfCom's attempt to create competitive behaviour, but spectrum fragmentation reduces experience, increases cost and does nothing for consumer prices.

[Jude Bradley]

Spectrum is green!