§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
In light of the results of the recent auction of 28 GHz broadband radio spectrum, whether they will consider postponing the proposed auctions of 3.4 GHz, 10 GHz and 40 GHz spectra scheduled for next year. [HL4779]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleWe have not yet decided what procedure should be used for awarding licences for these three bands. We are currently consulting industry on the award procedure for 3.4 GHz and 10 GHz radio spectrum licences and the indications are that businesses are keen for the licences to become available as soon as possible. We will be consulting industry, early in 2001, on a range of options for awarding licences at 40 GHz.
§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, on the basis of the outcome, the recent auction of 28 GHz broadband radio spectrum was adequately competitive. [HL4780]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleOne of the Government's aims for the auction was to promote competition within the wider broadband market. We offered three licences in each region to encourage new entrants who would provide competition in existing broadband operators. Ten companies qualified to take part in the auction and although not all of them obtained licences it was a major achievement to attact six new entrants to the market.
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§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of the recent auction of 28 GHz broadband radio spectrum, how they intend to address the problem that 40 per cent of the population will not have broadband high-speed Internet access; what impact this has on their policy of making the United Kingdom the best place in the world for e-commerce; and to what extent the lack of sale of any licences for Wales, and, in England, South Central, South West, East Anglia and East Midlands areas will delay the roll-out of high-speed Internet access throughout the United Kingdom. [HL4781]
§ Lord Sainsbury of Turville28 GHz broadband fixed wireless access is only one way of delivering broadband services such as high-speed Internet access. There are comparable services available via ADSL, cable, fibre and satellite. The licences awarded through the auction will provide a competitive stimulus to existing operators which will help bring better and cheaper services to users. The auction has provided new information on industry's valuation of the spectrum. This will form a good basis for future decisions on making spectrum available for broadband access. The Government will be considering when to re-offer licences in regions where no licences were sold. This will provide a further opportunity for operators to obtain licences and to enhance existing services and coverage.