Criticism as Ofcom puts limit on mobile auction

Ofcom will introduce a cap on the amount of mobile spectrum any network can control ahead of an auction of airwaves to support the expansion of 4G and 5G.

The communications industry regulator said the cap, set at 37%, will restrict BTowned EE and Vodafone in the auction process later this year.

Philip Marnick, Ofcom’s spectrum director, said: “We’ve designed this auction to ensure that people and businesses continue to benefit from strong competition for mobile services.”

However, smaller operators such as Three and O2 wanted the cap to be set at between 30% and 35%.

Three CEO Dave Dyson described Ofcom’s proposal as a “kick in the teeth” for consumers.

He said: “By making decisions that increase the dominance of the largest operators, Ofcom is damaging competition, restricting choice and pushing prices up for the very consumers that it is meant to protect.”

BT/EE holds 45% of all usable mobile spectrum, Vodafone has 28%, O2 15% and Three 12%.

However, Ofcom said that Three’s consultation response “presented an overly pessimistic view of its own position.”

An Ofcom spokesman said: “This auction will keep the airwaves fair by reducing the share held by the largest operator. It will include strong safeguards to maintain a healthy four-player market and allow mobile operators to acquire the airwaves they need to compete.”

Ofcom’s cap means BT/ EE will not be able to bid for spectrum in the 2.3GHz band and Vodafone can bid for a maximum 160 MHz of spectrum across both the 2.3GH zand 3.4GHz bands.

EE chief executive Marc Allera said: “We look forward to bidding for additional spectrum in this auction.”