Ofcom wants UK telecom operators to enhance 4G coverage post release of spectrum in the 700 MHz band for mobile services in late 2019.
Ofcom said telecom operators need to expand 4G coverage in rural areas – including for properties that are unable to access good coverage from any operator. Mobile companies need to provide better coverage in each of the UK’s nations.
Ofcom has also released new measurement methods to measure coverage to meet the quality demand of wireless subscribers with the latest smartphones.
Ofcom released details saying it will support the rollout of 5G by releasing different spectrum bands to fuel 5G. The spectrum bands will enable both mobile operators and other innovative companies to develop revolutionary services such as 5G services in manufacturing, transport and healthcare.
The telecom regulatory is silent about the roll out obligations towards the 5G. UK-based telcos are planning 5G for both enterprise and retail customers.
Ofcom is in the process of conducting auction for selling spectrum for rolling out 4G and 5G networks in the UK.
Telecom regulator Ofcom has asked mobile operators EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to confirm they have complied with the roll out obligations agreed in 2014.
EE, O2, Three and Vodafone need to offer coverage for mobile phone calls in 90 percent of the country’s landmass by the end of 2017.
Ofcom also earlier asked O2 to provide 4G mobile data coverage to 98 percent of premises across the UK by the end of 2017.
Separately, Telefonica (O2) required under the terms of its 4G/800MHz licence, issued in 2013, to provide a minimum level of indoor data coverage to 98 percent of all UK premises by the end of 2017, with a minimum of 95 percent in any of the four nations of the UK.
