Communications regulator Ofcom has confirmed details of its plans to auction radio spectrum suitable for a range of services, including Mobile TV and satellite radio. The provisional deadline for applications is 10 April 2008, with the online auction likely to start at the end of April.
A number of possible uses of the 1452 – 1492 MHz band, the so-called L-Band, have been identified, including mobile multimedia services including Mobile TV; broadband wireless access or high-speed Internet on the move; and digital satellite radio.
The release of the spectrum is part of a wider programme to release around 400MHz of prime spectrum. Other awards in this programme include the digital dividend – the spectrum that will be freed-up through the switch to digital television – and the
2.6GHz band. 
The spectrum, which is available over much of Europe, will be released on a technology- and service-neutral basis, allowing users the flexibility to decide what technology to use, what services to offer, and to change their use of the spectrum over time. All licences will be tradable.
Ofcoms fifth award of spectrum in the L-Band is part of the process of ensuring that the UKs valuable spectrum resource is used as efficiently as possible, says Ofcom Spectrum Policy Partner, Philip Rutnam. This spectrum provides an opportunity for citizens and consumers to benefit from new services and greater competition.
To see the full statement on the spectrum auction, click here.