Does Ofcom consider there to be a need for more 3G services/another operator?
Ofcom is not proposing to make more spectrum available specifically for 3G services. Rather, Ofcom’s view is that the market is better placed than a regulator to judge the optimum commercial service and technology. It should therefore be for those acquiring spectrum to decide what services to offer and what technologies to use. Spectrum in the 2500 -2690 MHz band (often known as the 3G expansion band) has been earmarked for assignment across Europe by the beginning of 2008. The UK has relocated the existing users in this band faster than other EU countries: in our case it will be available for assignment from the beginning of 2007. Ofcom considers that it is in the interests of citizens and consumers to make spectrum that is under-used available to the market as soon as possible, consistent with an orderly process for release.
