Since then a number of European wireless spectrum auctions have failed, notably in the UK, Switzerland and Austria, and expectations have been lowered. Elliott Hamilton, senior vice president at consultants Strategis Group, said: "I do not expect...
Today, that the auctions were a mistake is barely an argument. Now, the Americans know a thing or two about botched auctions. And on the technology side, Qualcomm, the San Diego company behind the CDMA technology the world's next-generation...
Ofcom is committed to auctions as the best method of allocating radio spectrum. Some in the industry remain to be convinced, following the 3G auctions of 2000 where mobile operators overbid for the licences to the tune of £22.5bn.
Mobile operators have reacted defensively to the prospect of fresh spectrum auctions that could lead to renewed competition in the UK's 3G market. O2 has called for tight controls to be imposed on market entrants, while Orange and T-Mobile refused...
The availability of this prime communications spectrum is one of the biggest band grabs of the century heralding "truly next-generation advanced wireless services", according to FCC chairman Kevin Martin.
As with previous auctions, the spectrum is being made available on a service-neutral basis - which means bidders are not required to restrict their use of the spectrum to a particular technology or service.