Kip Meek, the Government-appointed ‘Independent Spectrum Broker’ who’s been looking at the options for next-generation mobile services, has just published his report.
He says Vodafone, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and 3 could have their 3G licences extended indefinitely if they improve mobile broadband coverage – and also says he won’t force O2 and Vodafone to give up their 900MHz frequencies. Instead, he’ll prevent them from buying any of the new radio spectrum that’ll be released in the next few years when analogue TV is switched off unless they give up an equivalent amount of their 900MHz allocation. The proposals are likely to become part of the government’s ‘Digital Britain’ report, which is expected next month. O2 has already said it’s “pleased with the progress of the discussions”. [Report; O2 statement]