Three's 5G Challenge Rejected

Britain’s 5G mobile auction finally gets green light as Three’s challenge rejected.

17:22 14 February 2018

Three’s attempt to block a multibillion-pound sale of airwaves for new 5G networks has been rejected by the Court of Appeals, allowing Ofcom to begin 5G mobile auction. The decision has brought telecoms companies one step closer to bringing the next generation mobile communication to the UK.

 

Ofcom can now begin preparations for an auction that is expected to begin in April.

 

Three, owned by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, has asked regulators to impose tighter restrictions on the maximum share of mobile spectrum any single operator may own. 

 

A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “We welcome this decision, and will now press ahead with releasing these important airwaves. This new capacity will allow mobile companies to offer more reliable reception, and to prepare for future 5G services.”

 

Meanwhile, a representative for telecoms company O2 said: “We welcome today’s decision to reject Three’s appeal. It is now imperative that we move forward and hold the auction as soon as possible.”