Mobile TV and radio operators are lining up to bid for radio spectrum in the so-called L-band, in what will be the largest spectrum auction in the UK for a number of years. 

Going under the hammer in May are chunks of radio spectrum in the 1452-1492MHz band, which Ofcom has lined up for mobile television and satellite radio services.

The release of the spectrum in the L-band is part of a wider programme to release around 400MHz of spectrum. Other awards in this programme include the digital dividend - the spectrum that will be freed-up through the switch to digital television - and the 2.6GHz band.

"This is part of the process of ensuring that the UK’s valuable spectrum resource is used as efficiently as possible. This spectrum provides an opportunity for citizens and consumers to benefit from new services and greater competition,” said Ofcom’s spectrum policy partner, Philip Rutnam.

The spectrum, which is available over much of Europe, will be released on a technology and service neutral basis, allowing users the flexibility to decide what technology to use, what services to offer and to change their use of the spectrum over time. All licences will be tradable.

Ofcom announced that the provisional deadline for applications is 10 April 2008, with the online auction likely to start at the end of April.