WIREDGOV

Ofcom yesterday published an update on the timetable for setting the regulations that will apply to the forthcoming auction of spectrum in the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands.

Ofcom believes it is in the public interest for the auction to take place as soon as possible in light of the significant and strong demand for access to the spectrum, and the immediate and direct benefits to consumers of faster, higher quality mobile data services that can be offered using the spectrum.

Part of the spectrum to be auctioned - the 2.3 GHz band - can be used by mobile companies immediately to improve services for customers. The 3.4 GHz spectrum band can be used for future 5G mobile services.

Ofcom had planned to hold the auction in autumn 2017, but it has been delayed by litigation brought by Three and BT/EE. Following an expedited court process recognising the strong public interest in proceeding with the auction, the High Court upheld Ofcom’s decision and dismissed both claims on 20 December 2017. However, Three has now sought permission to appeal on to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is also expediting that appeal, which will be heard on 13 and 14 February 2018.

The litigation by Three is continuing to delay access to the spectrum and the benefits to consumers and businesses that can flow from it. We are keen to ensure that we can move as quickly as possible to hold the auction once the judgment of the Court of Appeal has been given.

We have therefore decided to proceed to make the auction Regulations for this spectrum award process on Wednesday 24 January, and follow the timetable as set out below:

• On 24 January we will publish the regulations, which will come into force on Wednesday 31 January.
• On the same day we will also publish guidance for potential bidders on how to take part in the auction.
• Once the regulations are in force, we will confirm the date for when we will be accepting applications.
• We anticipate the day for receipt of applications will be around seven days after the regulations come into force.
• We propose to commence the steps necessary to decide whether to qualify applicants to participate in the auction immediately after application day.
• We will stop short of formally qualifying bidders until after the Court of Appeal’s decision is announced, and all parties know whether Ofcom’s decision to impose an overall spectrum cap at 340 MHz is upheld.

The steps described above are all steps that we would need to take whether or not the Court of Appeal upholds our decision, and the judgment of the High Court. If we have to change any of the Regulations in light of the Court of Appeal’s judgment we will do so with utmost expedition to minimise further delay.

Once the judgment of the Court is known, applicants will in accordance with the Regulations have a period to indicate to Ofcom whether they wish to withdraw from the award process and be refunded their initial deposit prior to the “last day for withdrawal”.