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UK: Ofcom applauded for 4G auction success

By  |  March 12, 2014

The UK National Audit Office is applauding communications watchdog Ofcom for the success of its 4G spectrum auction last year, which raised nearly $3.9 billion.

But while the NAO commends Ofcom for preserving competition in the wireless industry, reports say the financial NAO has stopped short of predicting how the spectrum will be used by the auction’s five winners.

The 2013 bidding saw rivals EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three win, with newcomer BT also acquiring spectrum. But the NAO said it is too early to determine how the winners will use the airwaves.

Since the auction, Vodafone, O2 and Three have launched 4G services, say reports. EE had already established 4G services, while BT has yet to do so.

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