Mobile Broadband spectrum auction on the way (28/07/2010)

New spectrum could be auctioned off next year to help provide better, faster mobile broadband services, it has been reported.

The government has instructed Ofcom to hold a combined auction of the 2.1GHz and 800MHz spectrum "as soon as possible", according to the Financial Times.

It is claimed that the sale could happen by the end of 2011, offering opportunities to mobile broadband providers who may wish to extend their reach.

Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, explained why these mobile broadband developments would be so important.

"Under our plans, our mobile industry will have access to the 21st-century infrastructure it needs to give UK consumers the latest technologies and even better coverage for broadband," he told the news provider.

The importance of mobile broadband has grown in recent years due to the development of more portable computers and smartphones.

It has also been suggested that mobile broadband services could be a solution to the problems of providing rural areas with faster internet speeds.

Related Articles

• (01/09/2010) Mobile broadband use on the increase, report says
• (27/08/2010) One in two workers 'never disconnect from technology'
• (06/08/2010) Mobile broadband set for growth as handset technology advances
• (29/07/2010) Mobile broadband investment set to increase
• (28/07/2010) Mobile Broadband spectrum auction on the way