Statement on the making of regulations in connection with the award of 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz

Published 03|12|07

Summary

1.1 The Office of Communications (‘Ofcom') has held three consultations, in January 2005, June 2006 and August 2007, and also published a discussion document in January 2007 in connection with the award of wireless telegraphy licences for use of the 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum bands. It has also published an Information Memorandum in respect of this award on 7 August 2007.

1.2 Ofcom has carefully considered the responses to these consultations, including those to the last consultation in August 2007 on the draft statutory instruments made in connection with the award.

1.3 Ofcom has now made the four statutory instruments and submitted them for registration and publication. They will come into force on 21 December 2007.

1.4 Ofcom is provisionally indicating in this Statement that it expects the date for receipt of applications to be 16 January 2008. The exact date will be confirmed by Ofcom via publication on its website after the statutory instruments have come into force.

1.5 The relevant section of the Ofcom website for information on Ofcom’s spectrum award programme and the award of the Spectrum Bands is www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/.

1.6 Ofcom is making available other information relevant to this award alongside this Statement. This is as follows:

• An explanatory note to accompany Schedules 8 and 9 of the Licence Award Regulations. This note is available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/awardspending/award_10_40/
• A document setting out various amendments to the Information Memorandum published in August. This document is available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/awardspending/award_10_40/

1.7 Ofcom held a seminar on the auction rules and procedures on 12 November 2007. Ofcom does not plan to run any further seminars in relation to this award. There will however be training for bidders on use of the electronic auction system before the bidding process begins.

The full document is available below: