Ofcom has heralded the UK’s largest single release of radio spectrum, which could transform the provision of wireless broadband services using technologies such as WiMAX and UMTS.

In a consultation document the telecoms regulator has presented to industry its proposals to auction licences to use three spectrum bands: 2500-2690MHz, 2010-2025MHz and 2290-2300MHz.

In total 215MHz will be available, representing the single largest release of spectrum.

Ofcom proposes to release the spectrum on what he called “a technology and service neutral basis”. But it has ear-marked the spectrum to be used for mobile broadband wireless services using technologies such as WiMAX; mobile television using technologies such as UMTS and mobile broadcast, such as wireless cameras for outside broadcasts and temporary or portable video links.

"Releasing more spectrum to the market will create new opportunities for innovation in wireless technologies, promoting competition and driving convergence," said Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom.

The proposals are part of a wider Ofcom programme to release around 400 MHz of prime spectrum to the market over the next few years. The programme includes a dozen different bands including the spectrum freed up by digital television switchover.

Ofcom believes that the most efficient way of securing the optimal use of the bands covered in the consultation document is by awarding licences through auction as it makes the spectrum open to the widest possible range of users.

The bands 2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz will be packaged into a number of lots and auctioned together. Participants will be able to bid for multiple lots. The auction will be conducted online using a secure server and there will be a number of rounds to the auction.

The bands 2290-2300 MHz will be packaged as a single lot and auctioned though a sealed bid process.

Ofcom believes that the spectrum could be released by the end of 2007 although this is subject to on-going EU regulatory discussions. All licences are proposed to be tradable.

The full consultation document is available in the Related Items. The consultation closes on 9 March 2007.