Regulator Ofcom considers making all of 800MHz band available for wireless broadband services.
Ofcom has issued a consultation document proposing changes to the UK's so-called 'digital dividend' spectrum, so that it matches the plans of other countries in Europe.Under the existing roadmap, the UK is releasing two distinct bands of spectrum as a result of analogue TV switch-off, one of which comprised the 48 MHz between 806-854 MHz.
However, the likes of Finland, France, Sweden and Switzerland have already committed to making 72MHz available between 790-862MHz (known internationally as the the 800MHz band), with more countries set to follow that template.
Ofcom says that by auctioning the full 790-862MHz band in line with the rest of Europe it could save UK consumers £2-3 billion over the next 20 years.
Those savings would be acheived through lower equipment prices, more efficient use of spectrum and more innovative wireless broadband services.
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The consultation comes in the wake of last week's Digital Britain report from the government, which criticised the 'temporary roadblock' the UK faced regarding the 800MHz spectrum, urging Ofcom to take action.
The consultation is available to read here. Ofcom expects to publish a statement on this issue in summer 2009, with a view to holding the auction for the UK's digital dividend in 2010.
