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Eversheds comment: Ofcom's proposals to support 4G services in the UK should maximise the efficient use of spectrumFeb 01, 2013 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- In response to the news that Ofcom has published proposals to liberalise mobile licences to permit the deployment of 4G services, James Walsh, head of telecommunications at global law firm Eversheds, comments: "The proposal to permit existing mobile licences to be used for 4G should not come as a major surprise. This follows the move by EE to vary its existing 1800MHz spectrum that has traditionally been used for its 2G offering to support its new 4G network. The main reason why this hasn't happened sooner is that other network operators already have fairly congested GSM and UMTS networks operating in the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands. "What we do not know is how Ofcom's proposal will affect bids for the new tranches of spectrum that Ofcom is currently auctioning off to support 4G roll outs - the 800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum bands. Clearly the new mobile spectrum bands will remain extremely valuable to the bidders, but the new proposal will no doubt be another variable that the bidders have to factor into their pricing. "Overall, this proposal should help to maximise the efficient use of spectrum by giving licensees the flexibility to re-farm their existing spectrum allocations if they so desire. I would not expect this to occur in the short term given the current levels of traffic on network operator's GSM and UMTS networks, but in the longer term this flexibility could be extremely valuable." For more information contact Katherine Doyle e:[email protected] Chantel Gohil Eversheds t:+44 (0) 207 919 4629 m:+ 44 (0) 7786 915 664 e:[email protected] Eversheds LLP and its world wide offices have over 4,500 people who provide services to the private and public sector business and finance community. Access to all these services is provided through 44 international offices in 27 jurisdictions. Eversheds combines local market knowledge and access with the specialisms, resources and international capability of one of the world's largest law firms. www.eversheds.com ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. |