Techworld.com
Ofcom has announced another of its periodic attempts to auction spectrum for wireless broadband, a practice that has come under heavy criticism in the past.

Last week, the communications industry regulator published proposals for auctioning licences for 10GHz, 28GHz and 32GHz frequencies in the second half of 2007.

The licences would be granted on a technology and application-neutral basis, but one possible use includes video broadcasting, particularly in the 10GHz band, which Ofcom said could be set up in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

All three bands would be suitable for high-capacity, high-speed mobile data connections, and the 10GHz and 28GHz bands could be used for standard broadband, Ofcom said.

In January 2005, Ofcom announced a massive programme of deregulation, including a substantial allocation and release of spectrum over the next few years.

The regulator is proposing a single UK-wide 10GHz licence; two UK-wide and three geographically limited 28GHz licences; and six UK-wide 32GHz licences. All would be awarded in a simultaneous, multiple-round auction, and would be tradable.

The consultation documents can be found on Ofcom’s website. The deadline for responses is 7 September 2006.

Posted: 07|6|06 at 10:22 am. Filed under: UK News.