§ Mr. BorrowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards issuing licences for third generation mobile spectrum under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1949 and 1998. [96905]
§ Ms HewittI am delighted to announce that the Information Memorandum for the auction of licences for Third Generation mobile spectrum is being published today.
The Memorandum sets out the detailed arrangements for the auction. Applications to take part in the auction are scheduled to be due on 12 January 2000. The auction itself is expected to start in March 2000. The Government expect that this will be the first auction for Third Generation licences in Europe, giving UK consumers early access to this exciting new technology, and keeping the UK at the forefront of international developments in mobile communications.
I am pleased that Vodafone's and BT Cellnet's Telecommunications Act Licences were modified by consent on 22 October to provide for the negotiation of roaming agreements with any new entrants. This will help to encourage market entry and competition, so benefiting consumers.
A copy of the Information Memorandum is being placed in the Library of the House and on the auction website at www.spectrumauctions.gov.uk.