UK to see surge in next
generation of mobile technology under new Government plans
The UK is set to
benefit from a new generation of wireless services and improved
mobile broadband coverage under new Government plans to
revolutionise the country’s digital infrastructure, announced today.
Minister for Communications, Ed Vaizey, launched a programme of
measures for radio spectrum modernisation, which will allow mobile
operators to deliver the latest technologies to consumers and
extend the reach of mobile broadband across the country.
The Minister commented:
“The past 20 years has seen a revolution in mobile technologies
and devices that have transformed the way we communicate, learn
and do business.
“We want the UK market to remain at the fore of delivering
devices like the iPad and smart phones but they need the networks
to continue to improve and increase services.
“Under our plans, our mobile industry will have access to the 21
st Century infrastructure it needs to give UK consumers the
latest technologies and even better coverage for broadband on
their mobile phones.”
The spectrum modernisation programme will be implemented under a
Direction to regulator OFCOM, which has been laid in Parliament.
The new Direction is a simplified version of that proposed by the
previous Government and measures include:
· Requiring OFCOM to co-ordinate a combined auction of 2.6GHz and
800MHz spectrum as soon as possible in order that operators can
deliver widespread high speed mobile broadband;
· Requiring OFCOM carry out a competitive assessment of future 3G
and 4G markets, including the potential for new entrants. Their
assessment will inform the design of the auction, aimed at
enabling delivery of new competitive mobile broadband services for
UK consumer and business benefit;
· Liberalising 2G spectrum at 900MHz and 1800MHz, implementing
the EU’s revised GSM directive to allow operators to use these
frequencies for 3G technologies;
· Making 3G licences indefinite to encourage greater investment
in 3G services to reach more consumers across the UK. They will
also be made tradable, and;
· Requiring Ofcom to apply annual licence fees to reflect the
market value of these licences which will be applied after the
initial licence term (ends 31 December 2021).
The Minister also announced funding for a generous compensation
package to support the Programme Making and Special Events users
(PMSE) who are moving out of the 800MHz spectrum.
The funding will make a significant contribution to the costs of
the PMSE community in upgrading equipment to suit their new
operating frequency.
The new package will ensure PMSE companies can invest in
equipment suitable for the Channel 38 frequency, from 2012 when
they are moved out of Channel 69 (800MHz frequency)
This offer has been made because PMSE users had an expectation to
use Channel 69 until at least 2018. However, this was brought
forward to 2012 under revised proposals and the compensation
therefore reflects the need for PMSE users to invest in new
equipment earlier than originally envisaged.
The support provided will not take into account the age of the
equipment that requires upgrading, although the equipment will
need to be in working order. OFCOM will be providing further
details on the package shortly.
The decision is in line with the announcement that funding would
be provided to clear the 800MHz spectrum that will be freed up as
part of the Digital Switchover programme. This, and the
availability of other frequencies will give mobile operators
increased capacity to operate current and future devices on a
larger scale, more effectively.
Notes to Editors:
1. The SI on the spectrum modernisation programme can be found
at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/dsis2010
under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006
2. The combined auction of 2.6GHz and 800MHz will be managed and
co-ordinated by OFCOM. The auction will take place at the end of 2011.
3. For further information please contact Jo Robotham at BIS
Press Office on 0207 215 5950
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Joanna Robotham
Phone: 020 7215 5950
Joanna.Robotham@bis.gsi.gov.uk