Ofcom has developed a programme of awards of wireless telegraphy licences that is designed to put unused or under-used spectrum into the market as part of its strategy of ensuring optimal use of the radio spectrum. This consultation document sets out in detail Ofcom’s proposals for the award of wireless telegraphy licences to use the three spectrum bands at 2500-2690 MHz, 2010 MHz -2025 MHz and 2290-2300 MHz (referred to as the 2.6 GHz band, 2010 MHz band and 2290 MHz band respectively).
The award of this spectrum will play a key role in the implementation of Ofcom’s strategy of spectrum release, comprising 215 MHz out of around 400 MHz of spectrum below 3 GHz that is planned to come to market as a primary offering over the next few years. Of the bands under consideration the most important is the 2.6 GHz band which represents 190 MHz. The bulk of the discussion in this consultation therefore focuses on this band. However, the 2010 MHz and 2290 MHz bands also represent important opportunities for value creating spectrum use and they are covered fully in this consultation document. The reason for consulting on the three bands as part of one award programme is that they are potential substitutes for each other for a number of candidate applications and they are able to be made available together.
The Spectrum Framework Review: Implementation Plan (SFR:IP), published in January 2005(-1-), consulted on both the overall programme of spectrum awards and on some more specific matters relating to these particular bands. Ofcom’s position was updated in an Interim Statement on the SFR:IP in July 2005(-2-) in light of responses to the SFR:IP. Since then Ofcom has undertaken considerable further work:
- to investigate the prospective demand for these bands and the economic benefits that might arise from bringing them into use;
- on the technical conditions under which the bands might be used taking into account the candidate technologies and the need to manage interference with adjacent users; and
- on the means of packaging the spectrum and the design of auction mechanisms under which the spectrum might be awarded.
Award of available spectrum: 2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz and 2290-2300 MHz (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Disclaimer
This technical study ("Technical Study") has been prepared by Ofcom, in connection with the award of wireless telegraphy licences to use the three spectrum bands at 2500-2690 MHz, 2010MHz -2025MHz and 2290-2300MHz (the “Spectrum Bands”). It is referred to in the Consultation Document on Ofcom’s proposals for the grant of wireless telegraphy licences to use the Spectrum Bands and the method for their allocation
This Technical Study is intended for information purposes only. This Technical Study is not intended to form any part of the basis of any investment decision or other evaluation or any decision to participate in the award process for the Spectrum Bands, and should not be considered as a recommendation by Ofcom or its advisers to any recipient of this Technical Study to participate in the award process for the Spectrum Bands. Each recipient of this Technical Study must make its own independent assessment of the potential value of a licence after making such investigation as it may deem necessary in order to determine whether to participate in the award process for the Spectrum Bands. All information contained in this Technical Study is subject to updating and amendment.
The content of the Technical Study, or any other communication by or on behalf of Ofcom or any of its advisers, should not be construed as technical, financial, legal, tax or any other advice or recommendation. Accordingly, any person considering participating in the award process for the Spectrum Bands (either directly or by investing in another enterprise) should consult its own advisers as to these and other matters or in respect of any other assignment of any radio spectrum.
Technical Study - 2010-2025MHz, 2290-2302MHz and 2500-2690MHz Spectrum Awards (PDF, 2.5 MB)