CCP wants 4G spectrum to improve rural broadband

By 4G Mobile Broadband

August

4

2011

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.

One industry group, the Communications Consumer Panel (CCP), is now said to be calling on the UK’s communications regulator Ofcom to make sure that the up and coming 4G mobile broadband spectrum auction is used to ensure that broadband access and speeds in rural areas are improved. The group has described the auction as providing a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity.

An official from the CCP said: “Most places that were mobile coverage not-spots ten years ago are still not-spots today. The spectrum auction presents perhaps the only chance we have in the next decade to improve coverage in the nations and for rural communities. The potential significant windfall to the Treasury from the spectrum auction presents us with the opportunity to do something about it.”

Imposing minimum coverage requirements for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and some parts of the UK is one of the things that the CCP wants Ofcom to consider. Another is to keep some spectrum from the auction aside so that a ‘reverse auction’ can be held where network operators would bid on providing upgrades to infrastructure at the lowest possible cost.