9:45 AM -- There is a bit more clarity now on when UK mobile operators will finally get their hands on some new spectrum, which can be used for Long Term Evolution (LTE) services, after an announcement yesterday from the UK government.

The auction for 2.6GHz and 800MHz spectrum is likely to start in the first half of 2011.

The government yesterday set the wheels in motion for Parliament to say it's OK, or not, for the Ofcom to hold a spectrum auction. But you'd never guess that's what happened yesterday based on the virtually incomprehensible press release from the government's Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS). The government agency's statement certainly sounded important, but it was not at all clear. (See Digital Britain Disappoints, Ofcom Delays 2.6GHz Auction, and Down on the (Re)Farm.)

— Michelle Donegan, European Editor, Light Reading Mobile