Telecoms regulator Ofcom has approved Everything Everywhere’s plans to use its existing 1800MHz spectrum for delivering 4G services. Everything Everywhere applied to Ofcom in November last year with a proposal to change its current licences.
Following a consultation, Ofcom has concluded that these changes will deliver significant benefits to consumers without distorting competition or giving Everything Everywhere anything more than a brief advantage. It’s now issued updated licences to Everything Everywhere which authorise the use of 4G WiMAX or LTE services at any time from 11th September 2012.
In a statement, Everything Everywhere said “Ofcom’s decision to make 4G available this year is great news for the UK. Consumers will soon be able to benefit from the much greater mobile speeds that 4G will deliver. 4G will drive investment, employment and innovation and we look forward to making it available later this year, delivering superfast mobile broadband to the UK.”
The auction process for additional spectrum in the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands for 4G technology is due to begin later this year.
[Ofcom decision]