Ofcom primes WiMax spectrum auction

Ofcom has released details of the largest spectrum auction to date, which will make available a swathe of spectrum suitable for mobile broadband and advanced wireless services via WiMax and 3G tech.

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The regulator expects the auction process for 205MHz of spectrum in the 2010-2025 MHz and 2500-2690 MHz bands - known collectively as 2.6GHz spectrum - to begin in the summer.

As with previous auctions, the spectrum is being made available on a service-neutral basis - which means bidders are not required to restrict their use of the spectrum to a particular technology or service.

However Ofcom notes there are a number of potential uses for the 2.6GHz spectrum - which it said can support high-speed, high-capacity mobile data connections - including mobile broadband wireless services via technologies such as WiMax or evolutions of 3G.

The 2.6GHz spectrum release is part of a wider programme to liberate around 400MHz of 'prime spectrum' over the next few years to create opportunities for wireless innovation and to boost competition in the space. The release of the digital dividend spectrum in 2012 is part of this programme.

The regulator recently released details of L-band spectrum auction, starting this spring, which it said is suitable for various mobile multimedia services.