LONDON -- Ofcom has today published final regulations and a timetable for the 4G mobile spectrum auction – the largest ever sale of mobile airwaves in the UK.

This new spectrum will be used to deliver superfast 4G mobile services to people in cities, towns and villages across the UK and will almost double the amount of airwaves currently available to smartphones and tablets that use 3G networks.

The rules set out in detail the process involved in the auction – from applying to take part, through to bidding and finally issuing the licences to use the spectrum. Ofcom has also today confirmed reserve prices for the different lots of spectrum on offer and outlines the timetable for the auction process.

Reserve prices
Ofcom has confirmed the reserve prices for the spectrum that is being auctioned. The combined total is £1.3 billion.

Application date set
Ofcom has also announced 11 December as the provisional date for the submission of applications by prospective bidders. Ofcom will confirm the date in two weeks time, once the regulations have come into force.

Chronology for auction
11 December: The application day
Prospective bidders submit their applications to Ofcom together with an initial deposit.

December: Qualification stage
Applications are reviewed to determine who can go on to bid in the auction.

January: The principal stage
Bidding begins. This could take a number of weeks. Bids will be placed online over secure internet connections, using software that has been developed specifically for the auction.

February/March: The assignment stage
Bidders informed what they have won and its cost.

February/March: The grant stage
Licence fees are paid and licences granted.

May/June: New 4G services launched
New 4G services expected to go live from a range of providers.

Ofcom