Ofcom welcome comments on the matters set out in this consultation by 12 June 2020
Ofcom published a consultation on one aspect of the technical modelling in its statement on the award of spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands. Revised results remain consistent with Ofcom’s view that it is likely to be technically feasible to support a wide range of 5G services with holdings of 5G ready spectrum smaller than 80 MHz.
Ofcom welcome comments on the matters set out in this consultation by 12 June 2020. Bidding could start in November the earliest, depending on how the Government’s plans for lifting the current lockdown restrictions evolve.
The rules of the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz auction that were published in March 2020 include the following provisions: 80 MHz will be sold in six 2×5 MHz lots with a reserve price of 100 million GBP (110 million EUR) per lot and four 5 lots of 5 MHz SDL with a reserve price of 1 million GBP (1.10 million EUR) per lot. 24 lots of 5 MHz of 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum will be auctioned using a simultaneous multiple round ascending format. The reserve price is set at 20 million GBP (22 million EUR) per lot. Licenses will not include coverage obligations.
The regulator said its decision to omit obligations comes after the country’s mobile network operators committed to achieving more comprehensive mobile coverage via a “Shared Rural Network” programme.
Spectrum in the 3.4-3.6 GHz spectrum was auctioned in April 2018.
