UK regulator Ofcom has pushed back its auction of 2.6GHz mobile broadband spectrum due to legal challenges from O2 and T-Mobile. The auction was originally due to take place in September, after applications in July. “T-Mobile and O2 have begun legal challenges of our decision to press ahead with the award,” Dow Jones Newswires reports Ofcom as commenting in a statement. “In light of this, we have decided that it would be inappropriate to set the application date for July or August 2008.” Both operators are understood to be taking the regulator to court over its decision to go ahead with the auction before it has finalised its policy on spectrum refarming. The operators believe they are unable to accurately value the 2.6GHz spectrum until they know how much, if any, of the 900MHz spectrum they will be allowed to use for 3G services. In April, Ofcom revealed it is to rethink its plan to repurpose certain 2G spectrum for new high-speed 3G services, known as spectrum refarming, after receiving higher than expected interest in the airwaves.

The 2.6GHz spectrum has become available as outside broadcasters using wireless cameras and other wireless video equipment have moved to other bands in the 2GHz range. According to Ofcom, this spectrum could be used for mobile broadband technology, mobile multimedia services, mobile TV and mobile broadcasts. Ofcom stated it is seeking an expedited timeframe for the legal action to be heard, in order to minimise any delay.