O2 only Buy 800mhz Band 20 4G

[adamtemp64]

http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2013/02/20/ofcom-announces-winners-of-the-4g-mobile-auction/

But what a bargain compared to 3g Auction

They bought the lot that has the coverage condition attached

Ofcom has attached a coverage obligation to one of the 800 MHz lots of spectrum. The winner of this lot is Telefónica UK Ltd. This operator is obliged to provide a mobile broadband service for indoor reception to at least 98% of the UK population (expected to cover at least 99% when outdoors) and at least 95% of the population of each of the UK nations – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – by the end of 2017 at the latest.

[sheepdog]

Interesting to note they bid for the full coverage lot. It could prove interesting to those like myself in rural areas in choosing a network if coverage is as they declare. Read: I might be able to carry one phone in future!

[ewanrw]

Sub 1GHz is the best coverage, so good that they got it, and given the coverage obligation, they really will have the best coverage in the UK. Also benefits Voda via Cornerstone, but interestingly they have previously stated that they will meet the targets by 2015.

Surprised that EE and 3 never won more 800MHz, particuarly after EE complained about Vodafone taking out adverts saying they would win 800MHz spectrum and provide better coverage.

ewan

[adamtemp64]

@ewanrw the 2015 is due to the work started 2 years ago to upgrade the whole network on a 3 year timescale to be 4g ready.

[ewanrw]

Yup, lets hope Cornerstone is as good as I think it will be. EE who?

ewan

[Anonymous]

o2 seem to be keen on pushing 3G900.  Do you think they are going to reuse some of their 2100Mhz for 4G?

Martyn