Sky denies moves on mobile network plans
Satellite broadcaster quashes rumours of bid for Everything Everywhere spectrum


BSkyB has denied it plans to rollout a mobile network following rumours of talks with Everything Everywhere over proposals to purchase a block of spectrum from the mobile operator.
In a statement to the press, a company spokesman said the satellite broadcaster's meetings with the mobile operator were about buying spectrum or setting up a MVNO.
Sky might be interested in taking part in spectrum auctions for the 800MHz and 2.6GHz later this year.
"As you might expect we regularly meet with a wide range of companies to explore and understand potential opportunities," the spokesman told Reuters.
"While we continue to extend our leadership in mobile content, we currently have no plans to offer mobile access beyond our existing public Wi-Fi network."
According to a report by the Sunday Times, BSkyB was rumoured to be in talks with Everything Everywhere about setting up a Sky-branded mobile network in the UK.
Everything Everywhere has been forced to sell off parts of its 1800MHz spectrum after the merger of the France Telecom's and Deutsche Telekom's UK operations created the UK's biggest mobile network provider. The Sunday Times claimed that the satellite company had talked with the mobile operator about buying this spectrum.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Other reports said that Sky might be interested in taking part in spectrum auctions for the 800MHz and 2.6GHz licenses being held later this year. Virgin Media has also been touted as a potential auction participant.
Everything Everywhere is currently embroiled in a battle with rival operators Vodafone and O2 over its plans to offer 4G services over parts of the 1800Mhz spectrum it currently owns.
Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and the cloud. He also works as a contributing analyst at GigaOm and has previously worked as an analyst for Gartner covering the infrastructure market. He has made numerous television appearances to give his views and expertise on technology trends and companies that affect and shape our lives. You can follow Rene Millman on Twitter.
-
Cleo attack victim list grows as Hertz confirms customer data stolen
News Hertz has confirmed it suffered a data breach as a result of the Cleo zero-day vulnerability in late 2024, with the car rental giant warning that customer data was stolen.
By Ross Kelly
-
Lateral moves in tech: Why leaders should support employee mobility
In-depth Encouraging staff to switch roles can have long-term benefits for skills in the tech sector
By Keri Allan
-
EE rolls out 4G across Glasgow's underground network
News The network is currently restricted to EE customers but is likely to expand in the near future
By Sabina Weston
-
The best 4G network
In-depth Every mobile provider offers 4G contracts, but which one is the best for you?
By Carly Page
-
EE completes UK's first 5G lab test
News The company teamed up with Huawei to provide end-to-end 2.8Gbps service
By Clare Hopping
-
EE says network is back after 4G outage
News EE hasn't explained what's behind widespread issues
By Nicole Kobie
-
EE wipes out UK's 4G black spots
News The company is calling for all networks to be transparent about their coverage
By Clare Hopping
-
EE upgrades 4G network to boost connection speeds
News But only the latest smartphones will benefit
By Rene Millman
-
Three tries to stop Vodafone and BT buying too much spectrum
News The mobile provider has asked Ofcom to step in
By Clare Hopping
-
EE 4G network 'to cover 95% of UK' by 2020
News Mobile operator will also on-shore 600 customer service roles
By Jane McCallion