Ofcom to Auction 190 MHz of Spectrum in 2.3-GHz and 3.4-GHz Bands

Ofcom confirmed plans for an early-2016 auction of spectrum to support mobile broadband services, using spectrum formerly reserved for use by the Ministry of Defence.

A total of 190 MHz of spectrum is being made available in two bands--2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz--equivalent to around 75 percent of the spectrum released by Ofcom through the 4G auction in 2013.

The auction process includes reserve (minimum) prices totalling £70m for the spectrum.

There will not be a cap on the amounts bidders can buy. Ofcom proposes to auction the spectrum in lots of 10 MHz for the 2.3 GHz band and 5 MHz for the 3.4 GHz band.

Many existing mobile handsets from major manufacturers, including the Apple iPhone 6, HTC Desire and Samsung Galaxy, are already compatible with the 2.3 GHz spectrum.

The band is being used for high-speed 4G mobile broadband networks in ten countries outside Europe, including China, India and Australia.

The 3.4 GHz band is currently being used for 4G wireless broadband in six countries including the UK, Canada and Spain.