Qualcomm Buys Chunk of Radio Spectrum in the UK

Qualcomm has acquired 40 MHz (1452-1492 MHz) of L-Band radio spectrum recently auctioned by UK communications regulator Ofcom, at a cost of £8,334,000 (US$16.2 million). Qualcomm says that it will work with collaboration partners to bring a variety of "innovative wireless technologies" to the UK market.

“Winning this license creates an opportunity for Qualcomm to explore emerging business models and advanced mobile technologies,” said John Caterer, managing director, UK, Qualcomm Europe “If we can help the market to harness this potential, we will see additional opportunities for service providers using a variety of technologies. This will ultimately benefit consumers, offering them high quality services and a range of creative applications.”

The L-Band spectrum license acquired by Qualcomm covers the entire United Kingdom and is technology neutral, thereby enabling Qualcomm to use the spectrum for innovative technologies, depending on its assessment of market needs in the United Kingdom.

The auction was held online from the 6 May 2008 to the 14 May 2008. Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd will be able to use its licence with immediate effect.

The spectrum has been released on a technology and service neutral basis, allowing the user the flexibility to decide what technology to use, what services to offer and to change their use of the spectrum over time. The licence issued is tradable.

Posted to the site on 16th May 2008