A discussion on interference to DTT (digital terrestrial television), use of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands and Revision of annual license fees

In this revised proposals Ofcom presents its views for the auction of Wireless Telegraphy Licenses for the 800 MHz (790 to 862 MHz) and 2.6 GHz (2500 MHz to 2690 MHz) bands. These revised proposals took into consideration the responses received to proposals for the combined award published on 22 March 2011. The regulator published an update of its plan for the combined award on 7th October 2011. After the March 2011 Consultations, Ofcom published 2 other consultations on 2nd June in relation to auction. The first consultation discussed the prospective for mobile use of 800 MHz band to cause interference to adjacent DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) and also the possibility for handling co-existence of both services. Ofcom received a number of strongly argued and substantial responses to March 2011 Consultations. When the responses to Consultation and the importance of the decision to be taken are taken together in to consideration, Ofcom decided to have another round of consultation by the end of 2011 and the present consultation is the result of this decision. Ofcom’s proposal for the technical license conditions applicable for the use of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands was dealt with the second Consultation. This consultation document initiates Ofcom’s Consultation on revised proposals and invites comments from stakeholders. Though the document contains many specific questions, it is not limited to that alone and stakeholders are at liberty to include any reasonable issues which they think relevant. Under certain circumstances, Ofcom was to give preference for certain options but in this document Ofcom is going to consider all options. This document also have information about two subjects namely 1) the approach of the regulator to the revision of annual licence fees payable with regard to 900 MHz and 1800 MHz licenses after the auction and 2) Ofcom’s views on various matters regarding the technical license conditions. These license conditions would form part of the licenses to be auctioned as part of the auction. Though no formal consultation on this issues are going to be conducted at this stage, stakeholders are not prohibited from making any comments on these issues and all these comments will be duly considered when final decision in this regard is taken. Responses to the March 2011 Consultation For the March 2011 Consultation Ofcom received altogether 77 responses out of which six were confidential. All these responses except the confidential ones can be found in Ofcom’s website. The important points raised on Ofcom’s competition assessment, auction design, spectrum packaging, mobile coverage and annual license fees are discussed in this document. The other points this document discussed are • The factors that determines the availability of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands after the auction • Ofcom’s revised assessment regarding the future competition in mobile market and revised proposals for promoting competition after the award • The consideration given to mobile coverage issues and the revised proposal regarding the coverage obligations in 800 MHz licenses • Ofcom’s updated spectrum packaging proposals and eligibility points along with setting up of reserve prices • Further consideration of rules regarding the auction and revised proposals • Estimation of full market value of spectrum in order to revise annual license fees for 900 MHz and 1800 MHz • Steps to be taken for the auction of the spectrum and the estimated time of auction