The much-awaited 4G LTE network rollout in the UK is now closer than ever before. Ofcom has just announced its plans to auction off spectrum to mobile operators by the end of 2012, making a 2013 deployment more than possible.
What Else You Need To Know:
- The 4G spectrum sale is expected to be 80% bigger than 3G.
- Ofcom promises that 98% of network users will be able to enjoy 4G coverage.
Other sources
Will the 4G auction announcement raise the ire of the UK's mobile networks?- Gareth Beavis, Tech Radar
...the 4G auction will offer at least two spectrum bands – 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz, with the lower frequency 800 MHz band part of the ‘digital dividend’, which is ideal for widespread mobile coverage.- Ingrid Lunden, TechCrunch
- Engadget
- Another Ofcom report on UK LTE: spectrum sale within five months, rollout in mid-2013
- The Next Web
- UK’s 4G rollout hits small delay, operator bidding now expected to begin in “early 2013″
- Mobile Crunch
- Is Speedy LTE Finally Coming To The UK? Ofcom Sets 4G Auction For Early 2013
- The Inquirer
- Ofcom says 4G will arrive in the UK by late 2013
- Other
- UK 4G coming in 2013, after Ofcom auction later this year
- Phones Review
- Ofcom tips UK 4G coverage for the end of 2013
- Trusted Reviews - Phones
- 4G Network Now Coming to UK in 2013?
- TechRadar
- Ofcom's ruling a 'significant step' towards 4G in UK
- Beta News
- 4G connectivity will be available in the UK starting in 2013