Ofcom has published an update on the auction of spectrum bands.
The regulator outlined plans to award most of the 2.3 and 3.4 Ghz spectrum this year on early in 2016, holding the rest back for issue at a later date.
Ofcom suggested that this was its preferred course of action, although it confirmed that the options to award all of the spectrum or delay the awarding of spectrum remained open.
The decision would also see Ofcom issuing licenses for the bands for an indefinite period, with an initial term of 20 years after which license fees might be payable.
In addition, there would be no coverage obligations placed on the spectrum, as these frequencies are suited more to providing high capacity and fast speeds rather than wide geographical coverage.
Ofcom also opened up a consultation with stakeholders, asking them to comment on the new plans. The consultation will close on 26 June.
The regulator suggested that developments such as the BT acquisition of EE and the Telefonica acquisition of O2 could affect its decisions.
The 2.3 and 3.4 GHz award bands are set to be released by the Ministry of Defence to make them available for civil use by 2020 as part of the Government’s Public Sector Spectrum Release programme.
