Ofcom announced the final results of the auction for spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, following completion of the remaining stages.
The total revenue of the auction is £13.794 billion.
In March, Ofcom announced the results of the principal stage, which determined how much spectrum each of the four bidders – EE, Hutchison 3G UK, Telefonica UK and Vodafone– had secured in both of the bands, and how much they had committed to pay.
The assignment stage announced today allowed telecom operators to bid for the specific frequency positions. A number of the companies involved submitted bids during the assignment stage, which used the second price rule to determine successful bids. This resulted in an additional £23 million being raised.
Ofcom granted licenses to the four bidders for the following frequencies across the two bands following completion of the assignment stage:
EE – 723-733 MHz and 778-788 MHz; 738-758 MHz; and 3680-3720 MHz.
Hutchison 3G UK – 713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz.
Telefonica UK – 703-713 MHz and 758-768 MHz; and 3760-3800 MHz.
Vodafone – 3720-3760 MHz.
Winners of spectrum in the 3.6-3.8 GHz band had the opportunity to negotiate their spectrum positions. Telefnica UK and Vodafone entered into an agreement during the negotiation period.
With licenses for these airwaves now granted, the four mobile companies can now formally notify Ofcom of any trades they agree.
