Minimum of four operators to have the tech divided between them.
The broadcast regulator has been criticised for stifling Britain's adoption of the LTE tech, but Ofcom claims it is trying to make 4G available for the masses.
That said, Ofcom's proposals won't be able to be submitted until the UK spectrum auction at the close of 2012. Last year, discord betwen operators meant that the bid for the 4G tech was going to be placed on hold.
Firms such as Vodafone and O2 objected to an auction, claiming it would only be beneficial to large operators but Ofcom insists its proposals discuss how the 4G spectrum should be auctioned to spark competition between networks.
Following the $192 million signal boosting investment scheme launched by the government, Ofcom says 4G has the potential to reach 95-98 per cent of Britons.
Additionally it claims the amount of spectrum will be varied for around four operators, which will allow consumers to shop around for the best offers on the market.
Article continues belowAdvertisement
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, said: "This is a crucial step in preparing for the most significant spectrum release in the UK for many years. The proposals published today will influence the provision of services to consumers for the next decade and beyond.
"The UK benefits from being one of the most competitive mobile phone markets in Europe. This means that consumers pay less for mobile communications services and have the choice to shop around for packages that suit them best. As the UK enters a new generation of mobile communications, Ofcom’s objective is to promote effective competition and to stimulate both investment and innovation.
“In addition we are proposing a significant enhancement of mobile broadband, extending 4G coverage beyond levels of existing 2G coverage – helping to serve many areas of the UK that have traditionally been underserved by network coverage.”
Ahead of the auction plan will will be started in the summer, stakeholders now have ten weeks to respond to Ofcom's proposals.






















Add a new comment
You need to be logged in to post comments. If you do not have an account then please register.
Comments
0 comments
There are no comments yet, be the first to add one!