Ofcom has published a consultation setting out plans to include 1452 -1492 MHz and former amateur radio allocations in 2350 - 2390 MHz and 3410 - 3600 MHz within the Mobile Trading Regulations

The proposed new regulations define the process for trading spectrum in specified frequency ranges that can be used for provision of mobile services.

In particular, they enable Ofcom to carry out a competition check before approving a trade of such spectrum.

The spectrum access licence for the 1452 -1492 MHz band is currently held by Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd. Qualcomm has requested a licence variation to help enable the spectrum’s use for mobile or fixed communication Network Supplemental Downlink (SDL) in the UK.

SDL is a new mobile broadband technology which, using a mobile base station transmitter network, provides additional bandwidth to deliver improved capacity for consumer mobile broadband services. Improved capacity can help service providers send more data to consumer devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, at faster speeds.

The 2350-2390 MHz and 3410-3600 MHz spectrum bands are to be auctioned under proposals for the Public Sector Spectrum Release (PSSR). As set out in previous consultations, we expect this spectrum to be used for mobile broadband.

In this consultation we are seeking views on plans to make two sets of regulations, which would allow the licences in the 1452 – 1492 MHz, 2350 - 2390 MHz and 3410 - 3600 MHz bands to be traded with a competition assessment, should it be required. The draft regulations would give effect to our proposed policy.

Ofcom’s earlier consultation on varying the Spectrum Access Licence for the 1452 -1492 MHz band - http://ofcom.cmail1.com/t/i-l-yhjldjy-ptjxkki-k/

Ofcom’s earlier consultation on the PSSR Award of the 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands - http://ofcom.cmail1.com/t/i-l-yhjldjy-ptjxkki-u/

This consultation closes on 8 May 2015.

Consultation details http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/mobile-trading-regs-apr-15/