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Executive Summary

1.1 Ofcom received 68 responses to the Spectrum Framework Review: Implementation Plan (SFR:IP) published in January 2005. Section 10 of that consultation dealt with draft guidance on Ofcom’s approach to the enforcement of the rollout obligation contained in the licences held by the existing 3G operators. Of the 68 responses, 9 specifically commented on the draft guidance.

1.2 The aim of this document is to provide guidance and greater regulatory certainty in relation to Ofcom’s enforcement policy towards the rollout obligations in the 3G licences in the UK.

1.3 The document covers two principal issues. The first relates to how Ofcom intends to measure compliance with the rollout obligations and what, for the purposes of this measurement, it considers as the relevant benchmark against which rollout should be judged. This document is Ofcom’s Consultation on this issue, which is covered in section 7 of the document.

1.4 It is important that stakeholders understand the technical basis for any measurement of rollout that has to be undertaken for the purposes of this regulation. The aim of this consultation is to seek views on the technical approach that Ofcom should take towards this task.

1.5 In summary, Ofcom is seeking to measure the extent to which 3G services are available to the UK population where they live. Such services should, under normal circumstances, be able to provide a range of applications such as voice, text, video and multimedia services for outdoor reception with speeds up to 384kbps. Coverage to meet this obligation is expected to be primarily urban/suburban rather than rural.

1.6 The second issue concerns Ofcom’s approach to enforcement of the rollout obligation. It provides guidance on the approach that might be taken in the event of non-compliance and the process for enforcement. It takes account (among other considerations) of the interests of consumers. This document contains Ofcom’s Statement on this issue, following the consultation in 2005.

1.7 Ofcom considers that it is timely to publish this document now as the issue of rollout is becoming more salient as the date for compliance comes closer. Ofcom’s general approach is to seek to reduce regulatory uncertainty where to do so is consistent with Ofcom’s statutory duties. It is not however possible for Ofcom to specify in advance how it would treat any particular case.

1.8 Ofcom expects all licensees to meet the requirements for rollout as stated in their licences by the end of 2007.

The full document is available below

• 3G Rollout obligations [pdf]
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