U.K. To Analyze Next-Generation Networks, Spectrum
The U.K. government plans a detailed analysis of supply, demand and regulatory measures needed to spur next-generation broadband networks, said the “Digital Britain” report by Stephen Carter, the communications, technology and broadcasting minister. Action may include removing barriers to developing a wider wholesale market in access to ducts and other primary infrastructure, and determining whether public incentives could help deployment.
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The proposal calls for a wireless radio spectrum program to: (1) Resolve the future of current 2G radio spectrum through a new system allowing operators to realign their holdings, reuse the spectrum and move toward next-generation mobile devices. (2) Make more spectrum available for new mobile services. (3) Increase the investment certainty of 3G operators by making some time-limited licenses indefinite.
The government and Ofcom will also consider more network-sharing, spectrum or carrier-sharing proposals from operators, in particular where they can lead to more coverage and are part of the providers’ contribution to a broadband universal service commitment, the report said. Mobile operators will be encouraged to push out mobile broadband coverage eventually to replicate 2G coverage.
The government committed to rolling out digital audio broadcasting as one of the major media for radio. It said it will create a plan for digital migration once specified conditions are met, set up a digital radio delivery group to woo consumers to digital radio and do a cost-benefit analysis of migration.
There will be a digital universal service commitment by 2012 for fixed, mobile, wired and wireless communications, the report said. In addition, the government will develop proposals for the design and operation of a new, broader plan to fund the universal service commitment for a fully digital environment, including who should contribute and how it will be managed and be accountable.