The final stage of Ofcom’s 4G UK mobile spectrum auction has been completed, with two network operators choosing to pay more for a specific part of their chosen spectrum band.
Ofcom announced the winners of the main 800MHz and 2.6GHz auction just over a week ago.
BT’s Niche Spectrum Ventures has paid £15 million to be allocated the spectrum bands of 2,520 to 2,535MHz and 2,640 to 2,655MHz, while Vodafone paid £8 million to choose the 801 to 811 MHz and 842 to 852 MHz spectrum bands plus an additional £4 million to receive the spectrum bands from 2,500 to 2,520MHz and 2,620 to 2,640MHz.
None of the other winning bidders is making any additional payments.
The total amount paid during this assignment stage is just over £27 million, bringing the total raised by the 4G auction to £2,368,273,322.
Each of the winning bidders has received a 4G licence and is now officially able to launch a 4G network.
[Ofcom statement (pdf)]