02.12.10

Critical Digital Britain Initiatives Come to a Standstill Ahead of General Elections

Posted in Internet Technology Resources, Shoppers Advice, Telecommunication & More at 11:19 am

Kip Meek, Britain’s independent spectrum advisor, has said that the possibility of a spectrum auction in the country this year is very remote.

The auction, which should have been held two years ago, will see a close contest between mobile broadband providers to get hold of the spectrum for enhancing existing 3G services, a move that will enable them to provide better broadband services in Britain. The spectrum will also allow service providers to offer consumers next generation mobile broadband services. Unfortunately, differences and legal bickering within the industry means the auction may not be held in 2010 stated Meek.

Although, Meek accepted that the industry was divided over the subject, he pointed out that the issue itself had been delayed for quite some time, which had pushed the crucial decisions to a time when the general elections are very close. Addressing a Westminster eForum on the digital switchover he said none of the political parties were concerned about the ownership of the existing spectrum and the auctioning of new spectrum since everyone found the issue uninteresting.

Appealing politicians to turn their focus on the issue of the spectrum, Meek said the future of TV and mobile broadband services was very bright with vast developments taking place in both the fields. He said political parties aspiring to be voted to power must understand that the UK cannot miss this opportunity to play a part in the digital transformation that will completely change the face of mobile services.

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