Ofcom delays LTE spectrum auction again

UK telecom regulator Ofcom has announced that it is further delaying the auction of the 2.6GHz and 800MHz spectrum set aside for the next generation of mobile broadband. Already behind its original schedule due to legal challenges from operators, the auction is now being delayed to 'perhaps' the end of 2012.

Ofcom said in its statement

"Between March and May of this year we consulted on our assessment of likely future competition in mobile markets and proposals for award of the 800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum bands. We received a number of substantial and strongly argued responses to this consultation. We have been reviewing these responses over the summer, and refining our analysis as a result. In light of these responses, and the significance of the decisions that we need to take — decisions that are likely to shape the future of the mobile sector in the UK for the next decade or more — we have decided to undertake a further round of consultation on these issues.

We plan to publish a further consultation document around the end of this year. We will then give stakeholders an appropriate period of time in which to comment on our refined analysis and respond to our revised proposals — likely to be at least 8 weeks. Our aim will then be to make our decision and publish a statement in the summer of 2012. The auction itself would then follow a few months later — perhaps starting in Q4 2012"

Ofcom also said that the spectrum would not be available for use until 2013, so the delay in the auction was unlikely to have a material effect on consumers.