O2 UK approaches CAT over Ofcom’s failure

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: An appeal has been lodged by O2 UK, the UK’s largest mobile network operator by subscribers with the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) alleging that telecoms regulator Ofcom has failed to consider a request by the cellco related to the reuse of old spectrum for 3G services.

O2 UK criticized the watchdog for not responding to its request in a timely manner and it is understood that it has called on the CAT to direct Ofcom to amend its license in line with the European Union’s GSM Directive. The directive came into force in October 2009 and requires EU member states to allow the use of 2G spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz band for third-generation services by May 9, 2010.

A formal request has been made by O2 to Ofcom in March this year to vary its license in line with the new Directive by granting permission to offer 3G services using the 900MHz band. No decision has been reached by the regulator on the matter in part as a result of uncertainty regarding government policy on spectrum due to the General Election that took place earlier this month.