Ofcom allows Everything Everywhere to use existing spectrum for 4G

Ofcom has today approved an application by the mobile phone operator Everything Everywhere to use its existing 1800 MHz spectrum to deliver 4G services, a move similar to what Ofcom in 2011 allowed in the transition from 2G to 3G. 

Observers will note that the decision gives the largest U.K. mobile service provider a short window where it will be the only service provider to offer Long Term Evolution services in the United Kingdom, for a time. 

The United Kingdom is required to make the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum available for 4G use in light of a Decision of the European Commission, so the authorization is in line with the future 4G spectrum allocations. 

The move gives Everything Everywhere a bit of a headstart in 4G services, of course, compared to other competitors that will have to wait until 4G spectrum auctions are completed. 

Ofcom's decision means Everything Everywhere could, in principle, start offering Long Term Evolution services as early as Sept. 11, 2012, giving Everything Everywhere a market lead of perhaps a year or two over all the other providers of Long Term Evolution in the United Kingdom.