The Government has announced a radio spectrum auction is to be held next year, paving the way for new mobile broadband technologies such as 4G in the UK.
Ofcom has been asked to initiate an auction of 2.6GHz and 800MHz radio spectrum as soon as possible so providers can deliver high-speed mobile broadband across the country.
Before this, the regulator will undertake a competitive assessment of future 3G and 4G markets to inform the auction's design. This will include what room there is for new entrants into the market.
The auction - expected to take place at the end of 2011 - will form part of the Government's radio spectrum modernisation programme, which minister for communications Ed Vaizey launched today.
"We want the UK market to remain at the fore of delivering devices like the iPad and smartphones but they need the networks to continue to improve and increase services," said Vaizey
"Under our plans, our mobile industry will have access to the 21st Century infrastructure it needs to give UK consumers the latest technologies and even better coverage for broadband on their mobile phones."
In a statement sent to IT PRO, Vodafone chief executive Guy Laurence praised the auction announcement.
"This is a smart move from the new Government, which has taken the time to consider the complex and far reaching implications of spectrum allocation in the UK," he said.
"We are looking forward to working constructively with Ofcom to ensure that network operators have a fair opportunity to buy the spectrum required to compete effectively in the UK market."
"A timely resolution is in the interests of developing and supporting the economy and delivering advanced mobile services to customers," Laurence added.
The Government is also planning to help Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) users move out of the 800MHz spectrum, offering them a compensation package that will contribute to the costs of upgrading to their new operating frequency.
This offer has been added as the previous deadline for PMSE users to move out of Channel 69 - the 800MHz spectrum - has been brought forward from 2018 to 2012.
Companies that want support for upgrading their equipment will need to ensure it is already working, although the age of the technology will not be taken into account.
Ofcom will be providing further details on the compensation scheme in the near future.
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