UK Telecoms Authority Releases Update on 26 GHz/40 GHz Spectrum Auction
On April 16, Ofcom, the UK's broadcasting and communications regulator, released an update on the auction of frequencies in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz millimeter wave bands....
2024/04/26
Posted on 2024/04/26
On April 16, Ofcom, the UK's broadcasting and telecommunications regulator, released an update on the auction of frequencies in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz millimeter wave bands.
Ofcom announced in September 2023 that these frequency bands will be opened up for mobile technologies, including 5G services, to provide high-speed 5G in 68 towns and cities across the UK. The agency explained that these frequency bands "can transmit large amounts of data and have the potential to improve mobile communication speeds in high-traffic areas such as train stations, soccer stadiums, and concert venues. They also mentioned the potential to support innovative services such as VR applications and factory automation.
In a new statement, Ofcom said, "We decided last November (2023) on the majority of the auction design for the award of citywide licenses in these spectrum bands. In light of the responses to the additional consultations announced at that time, we have decided today that there will be no negotiation period during the allocation phase of the auction." We will also consult today on the court documents necessary to conduct the auction," he added, "which will limit the number of licenses and allow bidders to trade the licenses issued.
Ofcom has stated that it will not conduct this auction until the UK competition authorities have made a decision on the proposed merger between Vodafone, the third largest telecom market in the UK, and Three UK, the fourth largest. The UK competition authority's decision is expected in September 2024 at the earliest, and the auction process is not expected to begin until the third quarter of 2024 or later.
