UK telecom regulator Ofcom has given the go-ahead for mobile phone operators to trade the rights to the radio spectrum they hold.
The telecom regulator said this measure is aimed at helping to increase mobile network capacity and deliver faster and more reliable mobile services for consumers.
Big demands on mobile spectrum are placed, as UK has 80 million mobiles and more than 12.8 million of these are smart phones, used by people to access the Internet.
The new regulations, which cover spectrum at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, are aimed at giving operators added flexibility, which could help them to meet some of these demands, Ofcom said.
Ofcom believes that trading of spectrum by operators will offer a greater opportunity to use spectrum more efficiently, and will bring benefits to consumers in terms of improved mobile services.
The government had directed Ofcom to make mobile spectrum licences tradable in December 2010, as part of an initiative to improve mobile services in the country. Necessary regulations have been made by Ofcom now for this to happen.
Ofcom will be responsible for the administration of spectrum trades and will ensure healthy competition by deciding whether or not to consent to a trade of mobile spectrum before it gets distorted.
