The UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has published detailed plans for a 5G spectrum auction next year to accelerate rollout of the next-generation mobile network.
Operators will compete for a limited amount of radio spectrum across two distinct frequency ranges. Ofcom is making 80 MHz available in the 700 MHz band and 120 MHz available in the 3.6–3.8 GHz band. These allocations are intended to boost coverage, capacity, speed and reliability for the successful bidders’ 5G services.
All four of the UK’s major mobile operators have launched 5G services in parts of selected cities and towns this year, but deployments have so far been geographically limited. The new spectrum will allow operators to expand reach and improve user experience by combining new allocations with their existing holdings.
Ofcom’s auction will consist of two stages:
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Principal stage: bidders compete for spectrum “lots” to determine how much bandwidth each party secures.
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Assignment stage: successful bidders are allocated specific frequency blocks. During this stage, operators may agree among themselves to swap or move allocations so they can consolidate contiguous spectrum and optimise network planning.
To maintain competition, Ofcom proposes a cap limiting any single operator to a maximum of 37% of the spectrum on offer.
Ofcom has dropped proposed coverage obligations from the auction following a recent industry agreement. The major operators reached a deal—with government financial support—to build a shared rural network to tackle mobile “not-spots” in the countryside, reducing the need to attach coverage duties to the auctioned spectrum.
Stakeholders wishing to object to Ofcom’s auction proposals must submit responses by 9 December. The regulator expects to publish the final auction rules early next year ahead of the planned spring 2020 auction.
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