Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited formed to speed up UK 4G auction
Wider 4G coverage in the UK took a step closer to reality today following the formation of the Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, comprising O2, Vodafone, EE and Three.
The jointly-controlled company will be in charge of making sure the 800MHz bandwidth freed up by the digital switchover (now given over to 4G signals), does not effect digital television signals, which should help bring forward the long-awaited 4G spectrum auction.
The Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited carries the torch passed on by MitCo, the previous name for the organisation. Andrew Pinder, former head of the Government Gateway project under Tony Blair’s term as Prime Minister, will lead the organisation.
“The roll-out of 4G is a huge step forward for mobile broadband services in the UK, and will be incredibly important in driving economic growth,” said Maria Miller, secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport.
“I am pleased that the mobile operators will be working together to ensure that no viewers lose their television services when 4G is rolled out, and congratulate them on setting up the assistance scheme so quickly.”
The company will be funded by successful bidders in the 800MHz auction expected to kick off before the end of 2012.
