Ofcom urged to push forward 4G spectrum auction

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has said it wants the auctions for the 4G spectrum to take place without further delay.

After Ofcom twice pushed back the date to the end of 2012 because of concerns about how much they should bid that have been raised by mobile operators, the DCMS pointed out that the planned auction is already four years late.

Simon Towler, head of spectrum, broadband and international ICT policy at the DCMS, said that there are many benefits to the new 4G services, including better broadband access for rural areas.

"We want spectrum to happen as soon as possible so that widespread use of new broadband services is not further delayed," he said at a Westminster eForum event.

His call was backed up by Alastair Davidson, managing director of government, mobile and enterprise at Arqiva, which provides the radio infrastructure for Britain's radio and television network.

Davidson also criticised the obligations Ofcom will put on the winners of the auction. They will only have to cover 95 per cent of the population, and Mr Davidson pointed out that

"You could leave out Suffolk, Northern Ireland and Cumbria combined, and still hit that 95 per cent target."

Towler added that the DCMS is hoping to use some of the £150m Government fund to improve mobile reception in remote areas if it manages the funding prudently.