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Vodafone
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14th January 2000
Brian Last
Radiocommunications Agency
11R/3A
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX
Dear Brian
Consultation on 3.4 GHz Fixed Wireless Access Spectrum
Vodafone thanks the RA for the opportunity to comment on the above consultation paper, and is pleased to respond as follows:
1. We welcome, and wholeheartedly support, the Government proposals
a) to allow operators to choose what services they offer in the 3.4 GHz fixed wireless access band;
b) to allow operators to choose the technology they wish to provide the services, and
c) not to require the provision of voice services
2. With regard to the nature and number of licences;
a) Vodafone is of the opinion that a national licence is to be preferred to sub-regional or regional licences - past experience suggests that commercial forces will create national licences even if the Government starts with regional one;.
b) with regard to the number of licences, we consider that the 2 x 17 MHz will not support more than one operator if multi-media or high bit rate data services are to be offered.
3. We appreciate why the Government is choosing to licence this spectrum by beauty contest, but nevertheless we would prefer an auction.
Yours sincerely
Professor Michael Walker
Vodafone Limited
The Courtyard, 2-4 London Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JX
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