UK telecoms regulator Ofcom says it will for the first time allow mobile operators to trade their spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHZ bands. The regulator says the proposals will enable a more efficient use of spectrum by freeing operators “with a greater need” to make offers for spectrum “from those who need it less”. The aim of the proposal is ultimately to improve how operators serve end-users with mobile services: “It is hoped that this added flexibility will help operators to respond more quickly to demand,” says the regulator. Ofcom will itself now oversee the trading of spectrum in the UK.

Ofcom’s proposal is accompanied by a consultation document in which the regulator explains the background to its action: “The rights to use 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum are currently not specified in the 2004 Trading Regulations”, it points out. The 2004 regulation introduced spectrum trading to the UK. “Rather than amending the 2004 Trading Regulations, for reasons of administrative convenience, we propose to make new regulations which authorise the trading of rights to use mobile spectrum, specifically 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2.1GHz spectrum,” says the regulator. Respondents have until next month to respond to the consultative document.