§ 27. Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on future auctions of the radio spectrum. [133917]
§ Mrs. LiddellAuctions have important advantages as a method of assigning radio spectrum. They are fair, transparent and efficient in awarding licences to those who will use them to best advantage. Following the successful Third Generation auction earlier this year,580W auctions will continue to be used, where appropriate, to achieve optimal use of spectrum, facilitate faster roll-out of new services and promote competition. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Small Business and E-Commerce announced on 15 June 2000, Official Report, columns 699–700W our intention to award by auction licences for the provision of broadband fixed wireless access at 28 GHz. We will also be considering whether further licences for the provision of broadband fixed wireless access at 40 GHz should be awarded by auction.