The UK’s digital
infrastructure is set to be boosted by the roll-out of next
generation wireless broadband services and enhanced 3G coverage to
as much as 90% of the country.
The Government has today launched a consultation setting out its
intention to implement a series of recommendations made by the
Independent Spectrum Broker (ISB), Kip Meek, on how to make the
best use of the digital spectrum – the airwaves which all mobile
telecommunications networks need to operate.
The proposals will make available parts of the spectrum suitable
for mobile broadband and 3G to offer more sophisticated services
and applications. Lack of bandwidth and exclusive use of certain
wavelengths for 2G services, such as voice calls and text
messages, has constrained the expansion of mobile internet services.
Minister for Digital Britain, Stephen Timmssaid:
“Digital Britain is the Government’s vision for creating a
world-class digital infrastructure boosting jobs, growth and
competitiveness.
“To realise that vision it’s vital that we make the best use of
the digital spectrum and ensure that sufficient bandwidth is
available for sophisticated next generation services, and not just
calls and texts.
“This package will free up the airwaves for the expansion of
wireless and 3G services, increasing their reach to consumers and
businesses across as much as 90 per cent of the country, including
rural communities.
“I would also like to thank Kip Meek who has had to weigh up very
complex issues in producing a report which marks a clear way forward.”
The Digital Britain report welcomed a number of recommendations
made by Kip Meek in his report of May 2009. However, further work
was carried out to resolve some technical issues. Kip Meek’s final
proposals are published today alongside the consultation.
The Government now intends to implement these proposals through a
Direction to Ofcom. Before doing so, it is obliged to consult on
the Direction and has published its consultation today.
Stakeholders are invited to put forward their views ahead of the
deadline of 8 January 2010.
Notes to Editors
1. Proposals in detail:
Making the 3G licence term indefinite to encourage greater
investment in 3G services. This will increase 3G coverage to 90%
of the UK population. An annual fee (Administered Incentive
Pricing) will be applied, reflecting full market value, from
2021Government will work with Ofcom to free-up the 800MHz
spectrum, that will be released through Digital Switchover, as
soon as possibleCo-ordinating an auction of 2.6Ghz and 800Mhz
spectrum to take place as soon as possible, to enable operators to
build the spectrum portfolios needed to provide Next Generation
servicesIntroducing short-term spectrum caps at auction to allow
all operators to bid for different bands of spectrum and encourage
a better competitive environment. They will ensure no operator can
monopolise spectrum holdings in a particular band and avoids an
imbalance in lower or higher frequenciesApplying coverage
conditions to operators that acquire 800MHz or hold re-awarded
900MHz spectrum to deliver mobile broadband to rural areas and
hard-to-reach areasAllowing a separate auction of a portion of the
2.6GHz spectrum in early 2010 should the combined auction be
delayed by Ofcom to allow the use of TDD (Time Division Duplex)
for WiMax technologiesLiberalising existing 2G (900MHz and
1800MHz) spectrum held by current mobile operators, making
licences indefinite and tradable. This will allow operators to
reallocate their use of these frequencies for 3G technologies. AIP
will be revised to reflect the market value of that spectrum.
2. The caps for the Combined Auction are as follows:
· a temporary cap on overall mobile suitable spectrum holding per
operator at 2 x 65MHz
· a second temporary cap on the current holders of sub 1GHz
spectrum of 2 x 17.5 MHz. Any bid by them for additional sub-1GHz
spectrum at 800MHz that is successful will require the holder to
relinquish an amount of 900MHz spectrum equivalent to the amount
of spectrum that is acquired
· a third temporary cap on overall 2G spectrum, so that an entity
who has more than 2 x 25MHz and who acquires additional spectrum
in the combined auction, will be required to relinquish 2 x 5MHz
of spectrum into the auction.
3. The full Government consultation document and recommendations
made by the Independent Spectrum Broker, Kip Meek, can be found
at:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file53061.pdf
4. The report was produced following recommendations made in the
Digital Britain Report, published in June 2009: http://www.bis.gov.uk/building-britains-digital-future
5. Digital Britain is the Government’s vision of an economy and
society where core working activities are based around knowledge,
skills and information. It represents an ambitious and strategic
plan to accelerate growth in the digital industries and cement the
UK’s position as a world leader for innovation, investment and quality.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Joanna Robotham
Phone: 020 7215 5950
Joanna.Robotham@bis.gsi.gov.uk