Govt aims to revolutionise next-gen mobile infrastructure

The government has unveiled a plan to revolutionise the UK’s mobile technology infrastructure. The “programme of measures” was announced by the minister of communications, Ed Vaizey, who said the plan would enable the UK to “remain at the fore of delivering devices like the iPad and smart phones”.

“Under our plans, our mobile industry will have access to the 21st Century infrastructure it needs to give UK consumers the latest technologies and even better coverage for broadband on their mobile phones,” Vaizey added.

Expanding the delivery of mobile broadband to a wider percentage of the country is one of the measures expected to help deliver 2Mbps universal broadband; the 2012 deadline for that (set under the terms of the Digital Economy Act) has recently been pushed back to 2015.

The plan would see the implementation of a radio spectrum modernisation programme under the direction of Ofcom, which would co-ordinate the programme and include:

• A combined auction of the 2.6GHz and 800MHz spectrum, enabling mobile broadband operators to deliver widespread high speed connections
• 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
• The liberalisation of 900MHz and 1800MHz 2G spectrum and the implementation of the EU’s revised GSM directive, both which would enable 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.
• 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).

Ed Vaizey also confirmed 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 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). Further details on the package are expected to be released by Ofcom soon.