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18|06|07

Ofcom consultation on variation to UK Broadband’s licence

Ofcom today published proposals to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act licence held by UK Broadband Limited. If granted, it would allow the company to offer mobile WiMax services across the UK.

UK Broadband’s current licence permits the company to operate broadband fixed wireless access in the 3.5 GHz band. The company has asked Ofcom to vary its licence to make it technology and service neutral, giving it greater flexibility over how it can use the radio spectrum. It has also sought an increase in its permitted power levels.

In the consultation document published today, Ofcom believes that removing such usage restraints placed on the licensee would benefit consumers, encourage competition and optimise use of the spectrum. Ofcom also believes that the likelihood of interference to other users is low.

Ofcom considers that the variation should be made as soon as practicable, subject to the outcome of the consultation. The consultation closes on 27 August 2007. The consultation document can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/bb_application/

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NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

1. Ofcom’s Spectrum Framework Review Statement, published in June 2005, set out Ofcom’s plans to release more spectrum, liberalise the use of spectrum and enable spectrum trading. Ofcom’s Annual Plan 2007/8 published in April listed driving forward a market-based approach to spectrum and reducing the restrictions on how spectrum is used as priorities for the organisation.

2. In July 2003, the Radiocommunications Agency awarded 15 regional 3.5 GHz licences. UK Broadband acquired 13 of these licences and subsequently purchased the two companies that had acquired the other licences. In December 2006, UK Broadband asked Ofcom to vary its licences so that all 15 regions were covered by a single licence. Ofcom agreed to this in March 2007. In the same month UK Broadband submitted a further request to Ofcom to vary its licence on which Ofcom is today consulting.

3. Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.

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