Sky denies moves on mobile network plans
Satellite broadcaster quashes rumours of bid for Everything Everywhere spectrum
![Sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/whaDBVuqWAo7tVTpbQGdVB-320-80.jpg)
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.
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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.
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