Arqiva, Worldspace, Qualcomm and O2 are among nine qualified applicants that are expected to participate in Ofcom’s auction for capacity in the so-called L-band (1452-1492 MHz).
The regulator has not specified which technologies and applications the spectrum should be used for, but the L-band is most suited for satellite and terrestrial radio services, mobile TV and wireless broadband. Both digital radio and mobile TV are currently having a rough ride, but it is anticipated the regulator will bring in a minimum £50,000 for each of the sixteen 1.7MHz blocks and £150,000 for a single 12.5MHz block. This puts the total reserve figure at £950,000.
The nine applicants, some more familiar than others, now have until midnight tonight (April 21) to consider whether they will participate in the auction.
The full list of companies is Adolphus Limited; Arqiva Limited; ePortal Holding K.S.C; MLL Telecom Ltd; O2 (UK) Limited; Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd; The Joint Radio Company Limited; Vectone Network Limited; WorldSpace UK Limited
