techUK response to Ofcom consultation on award of 700 MHz/3.6-3.8 GHz

techUK's Communications Infrastructure Council has responded to Ofcom's consultation document which sets out the award of the 700MHz and 3.6-3.8GHz spectrum bands.

Ofcom manage the airwaves – or spectrum – used by all wireless devices, including mobile phones. Reliable mobile services have become essential to how people live and work across the UK, and mobile phone networks must keep pace with the growing needs for capacity and for coverage. Ofcom want to see coverage of good quality mobile broadband from a choice of providers, wherever people live, work and travel.

This consultation sets out proposals for an award of spectrum to enable the industry to provide services with greater capacity and wider coverage, and to pave the way for companies to take advantage of new wireless technologies, including 5G – the next generation of mobile technology. Importantly, Ofcom are also proposing to provide strong incentives for the companies which participate in the award to invest in providing better quality services in rural areas, furthering our ambition to achieve comprehensive mobile coverage for people right across the UK.

techUK's response can be downloaded below.