Executive summary
1.1 Ofcom published on 2 February 2011 a Notice proposing to make tradable the licences for 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz spectrum (collectively referred to in this document as the mobile spectrum). We were required to do this as a result of a direction made by the Secretary of State to Ofcom that came into force on 30 December 2010.
1.2 We have considered all the responses to the Notice. In line with our proposals in the Notice we made the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) Regulations 2011 (the Mobile Spectrum Trading Regulations) and the Wireless Telegraphy (Register) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2011 (the 2011 Register Regulations) on 16 June 2011 and these come into force on 4 July 2011. These will be available on the website www.legislation.gov.uk under the titles listed above. Copies in draft form are also shown in Annex 2 to this statement for indicative purposes in the form submitted for registration and publication after making by Ofcom.
www.legislation.gov.uk is the only authorised source for published statutory instruments. Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessments are also included in Annex 3 to this statement.
1.3 We include at Annex 1 a note setting out guidance on the procedures we will follow in considering whether competition is likely to be distorted as a result of a transfer of the rights and obligations in licences for the use of the mobile spectrum.