UK wireless regulator Ofcom has announced their single largest release of spectrum to date, the 2010-2025MHz and 2500-2690MHz bands (known as 2.6 GHz), which it claims are ideal for “high-speed, high-capacity mobile data connections enabling the delivery of advanced mobile services using technologies such as WiMAX or evolutions of 3G technology.”  Unlike the FCC’s recent 700MHz auction, Ofcom will be placing minimal regulations on how the winning bidders will be allowed to use the spectrum; in what they’re calling a “technology and service neutral” contract only rudimentary guidelines preventing interference will be specified.

“The auction has been designed to offer the maximum flexibility in the way that the bands can be used and all licences will be tradable.  In comparison to other Ofcom spectrum awards for mobile applications, the properties of the spectrum at 2.6 GHz mean that operators will be able to deploy wireless broadband services offering very high speed and capacity” Ofcom statement

The 2010-2025MHz band will be sold as a single block, while the 2.6GHz block will be separated into thirty-eight 5MHz chunks.  Ofcom plan to auction off around 200MHz more spectrum over the next few years.

“The release of the 2.6 GHz radio spectrum will create opportunities for fresh innovation, new services and competition for the benefit of consumers in the UK” Philip Rutnam, Ofcom’s partner in charge of spectrum policy

Ofcom have confirmed that they will be setting reserve prices, but those figures are not yet available.

[via mocoNews]