The UK Government is expected to make US$2 billion from the sale of 4G mobile spectrum, vastly more than the alleged US$17 million made by Nigeria.
The industry regulator the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by Dr Eugene Juwah, reportedly sold 10MHz of mobile spectrum in the 800MHz band, which enables 4G mobile broadband coverage, to Smile Communications Ltd, for US$17 million (N2.872 billion) in October. It is believed the sale could have fetched more than US$300 million.
The UK’s telecoms regulator, Ofcom, announced its 4G licence auction with the aim of raising US$2 billion.
Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said: “Today marks an important shift from preparation to the delivery of the auction, which will see widespread 4G mobile services from a range of providers.
“While the auction itself is due to take place in January, licenses will be awarded in February/March and it is expected that that the first networks will launch services in May/June time.”
Ofcom’s proposal for reserve prices are as follows: 800 MHz 2×5 MHz £225 million; 800MHz 2×10 MHz (with coverage obligation) £250 million; 1800 MHz 2×15 MHz (Divestment) £225 million; 2.6 GHz 2×5 MHz (standard power) £15million; 2.6 GHz 2×10 MHz (shared low power) £6million per bidder, £60m threshold; 2.6 GHz 2x20MHz (shared low power) £6 million per bidder, £60million threshold; 2.6 GHz 5 MHz (unpaired £0.1m).
