Terms for the 4G Auction in 2012 altered by UK regulator
While an increasing number of countries around the world have had 4G networks in operation for over a year now the UK has not even started building its next generation networks, although it appears that a date will be announced soon for the building of these new networks.
Countries like Japan and the US have been providing services over 4G networks for more than a year now while the UK operators have had to stay with slower 3G networks but now the UK communications regulator Ofcom have advised that the 4G spectrum auction should take place in Q4 of 2012 and that it has created a new set of proposals for the auction.
The unused spectrum running on the 800MHz frequency and the higher frequency 2.6GHz spectrum that will be up for sale in the 4G auction was originally discussed back in 2009 and was set to go up for sale in the first quarter of 2012. Objections by a number of the major network providers regarding the allocation of the spectrum meant that Ofcom were forced to postpone the 4G auction until an agreement could be reached.
The most important considerations faced by Ofcom was to ensure that not only did it raise as much money as possible from the sale of the 4G spectrum but also that it had four strong network operators to promote healthy competition between them all.
The arguments between the major network providers did have one positive outcome for Ofcom and that was to give it chance to review what it required from the future 4G network providers. The type of services that could be offered on the new 4G networks was something that the regulator avoided, although it looks likely that most providers will opt to use LTE technology for its new networks
UK may be waiting until 2015 for 4G coverage
After continued delays and problems with regards to next generation mobile networks, the communications regulator Ofcom has admitted that it could be 2015 before the UK has 4G network coverage.
As many consumers and businesses are well aware, the rollout of 4G next generation mobile networks across the UK has become a slow, frustrating and arduous task, with the nation not even having held its 4G spectrum auction whilst other countries already have the technology up and running. Continued delays and problems with the 4G auction have left the UK lagging behind when it comes to next generation broadband and mobile networks.
4G LTE being trialled by O2 in London
Mobile network operator O2 has recently revealed that it is trialling 4G LTE in London, with the high speed mobile connections to be trialled until June 2012.
There are many people and businesses across the UK that are growing more and more impatient due to the seemingly endless wait for 4G mobile broadband networks to be rolled out. Many are now becoming frustrated by the reduced quality of 3G networks, which are now unable to cope with the high level of demand for mobile broadband and internet services. However, continued delays with the 4G spectrum auction has meant that the rollout of these networks in the UK keeps getting put off.
MP’s putting pressure on mobile operators
According to recent reports as group of MPs from the UK are putting pressure on mobile operators in a bid to try and stop further delays to the 4G spectrum auction and get the UK moving when it comes to 4G networks.
As many people are only too well aware, there have been many delays with the 4G spectrum auction in the UK, leading to businesses and consumers suffering in terms of being able to access high quality mobile internet services. Many have expressed concern and frustration over the continued delays with the auction and whilst other countries are already enjoying the benefits of 4G auctions the UK is still waiting for the initial auction of spectrum for these services.
Retailers say 4G in the UK is essential for mobile commerce
Retailers have been highlighting the need for widespread 4G rollout in the UK, stating that it is an essential part of being able to properly utilise mobile commerce and keep up with competition.
There are many people who are getting fed up with hearing about the various delays and problems in connection with the rollout of 4G services in the UK. The spectrum auction for 4G has been delayed time and time again, with both consumers and businesses getting fed up and with the UK being left lagging behind many other countries.
Ofcom slated over 4G progression
According to recent reports the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has been slated by a business lobby group over the progression, or lack thereof, of 4G network rollouts in the UK.
It has been reported recently that the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has been slated by a business lobby group over the progression, or lack thereof, of 4G network rollouts in the UK. The verbal attack on the regulator has been launched by the Communications Management Association (CMA), which is made mainly of large businesses.
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Europe falls behind US with 4G technology
Although Europe has regularly led the way when it comes to broadband services compared to the United States, it has been claimed that it is falling behind the US when it comes to 4G.
When it comes to broadband technology, Europe has always enjoyed a very good position in terms of leadership compared to the United States, which has often been lagging behind. However, it seems that the tables may have turned when it comes to 4G technology, with Europe appearing to be dragging its heels whilst the USA has managed to get things moving with a number of places already enjoying or set to enjoy the benefits of 4G broadband.
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More delays foreseen for UK 4G spectrum
It has been claimed that the 4G spectrum auction for the UK, which was planned for the first quarter of 2012, could now be delayed once again due to delays with the auction design.
Many people who are keen to see 4G mobile networks rolled out across the UK have become increasingly frustrated by the problems that have been experienced in the UK with regards to the auction of 4G spectrum. This spectrum needs to be auctioned off to providers so that they can start rolling out their 4G services on a widespread basis, but already a number of problems, legal challenges, and delays have been experienced.
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CCP wants 4G spectrum to improve rural broadband
Ofcom is being urged by the Communications Consumer Panel to use the 4G broadband spectrum auction to try and ensure that broadband in rural parts of the UK is improved.
The digital divide between rural and urban areas when it comes to broadband access is something that has been at the centre of heated debate and controversy for some time, with many rural campaigners and support groups calling for changes to be made that will enable businesses and residents in rural areas to enjoy better broadband services so that they are not disadvantaged compared to their urban counterparts.
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Communication specialists questions government’s 4G plans
According to recent reports the 4G spectrum allocation plans of the government in the UK are being called into question by communications experts.
It has been reported recently that the plans of the UK government over spectrum allocation for 4G services have been called into questions by communications experts. It is reported that officials from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) have urged the government to take “radical steps to ensure that regulation does not continue to be a serious barrier to growth”.
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