BT secures 2.6GHz spectrum licence

BT has secured a licence for 2x15MHz of FDD and 20MHz of TDD 2.6GHz spectrum, the company confirmed today. This spectrum, which can be used to provide fast 4G connectivity, will enable BT to provide its business and consumer customers with an enhanced range of mobile broadband services, building on its existing strength in wi-fi. The licence was won via the recent 4G auction process conducted by Ofcom. The licence, which is indefinite in length, was won at a price of £186 million 1 . There are no further licence fees for at least twenty years.

Ian Livingston, BT chief executive, said: “We are pleased to have secured this spectrum. We have said that we do not intend to build a national mobile network. Instead, this spectrum will complement our existing strategy of delivering a range of services using fixed and wireless broadband. We want our customers to enjoy the best possible connections wherever they are and this spectrum, together with our investment in fibre broadband, will help us achieve that.”

Ends

1 The final price to be paid may include an additional amount which will be determined during the assignment stage of the auction which now follows.