UK mobile operators face bartering over 4G

The end of the 4G auction in the UK could lead to further spectrum trading in the industry, given how the crucial resources were divided via a fiendishly complex auction process.

The spectrum bought in the auction last month will dictate what superfast 4G services the telecoms groups can offer this summer. “There are some jaw dropping outcomes,” said one auction participant, pointing to the ultimate positions of the four companies and the shortfall from the forecast amount expected to be raised through the auction. “The fact is that these outcomes set corporate strategies for the next five years.”