Ofcom has revealed plans to free up terrestrial television airwaves to make mobile data services both faster and cheaper for mobile customers.
The regulatory body's decision means operators will be able to offer faster broadband using frequencies taken from digital terrestrial television services and some wireless microphones, which will both improve the service for mobile customers and assure the future of Freeview and other television services.
Ofcom is aiming to have this in place by at least 2022, with the demand for mobile data set to be 45 times higher by 2030. This means that mobile operators will need access to additional spectrum, which Ofcom is responsible for managing.
Spectrum from wireless microphones and digital terrestrial television services is in the 700 MHz band. Redistributing this will make mobile data faster and cheaper for UK customers.
Ed Richards, Ofcom CEO, said: "This is a crucial step in the development of the UK's communications infrastructure. This decision ensures that we are making the raw materials available with which investors and companies can build the services which will support the digital economy of the future.
"More spectrum will be available for mobile broadband where demand is especially high, but the UK will retain a competitive terrestrial television platform as well."
Detailing the benefits of the move in a report, Ofcom said that it expects to pass down a "significant proportion" of network cost savings to customers and the move would improve mobile performance in "hard to serve locations" specifically.
-
Should AI PCs be part of your next hardware refresh?AI PCs are fast becoming a business staple and a surefire way to future-proof your business
-
Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI launch brace of new channel initiativesNews Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI have announced the launch of two new channel growth initiatives focused on the managed security service provider (MSSP) space and AWS Marketplace.
-
Ofcom net neutrality update dismisses calls for big tech contributionsNews Ofcom’s net neutrality stance has been criticized by some industry stakeholders
-
UK 5G spectrum auction will finally go ahead this weekNews The much awaited auction will involve companies bidding for frequency in two bands
-
Nokia and NASA join forces to bring 4G to the moonNews Cellular service will provide the communications needed for meaningful moon exploration
-
Birmingham crowned the fastest UK city for 4G download speedsNews While Birmingham also recorded the highest speed hike over 2019, London came in at a middling 9th place
-
LTE vs 4G: Which is better?In-depth Comparing LTE vs 4G has become common in recent years, but how exactly do they differ, and is 4G faster?
-
What is 4G?In-depth A look at the fourth generation of mobile networking technology and its availability in the UK
-
4G vs 5G - what's the difference?Vs From 3G to 4G, mobile connectivity has revolutionised our lives. Now 5G is set to do it again
-
The best 4G networkIn-depth Every mobile provider offers 4G contracts, but which one is the best for you?
