UK Spectrum auction faces delay

Plans to speed the availability of Internet access on mobile phones were unveiled on Friday by ministers. However, proposals for a large auction of radio spectrum next year to support wireless broadband could be delayed because of a possible merger between Orange and T-Mobile, the UK's third- and fourth-largest mobile operators. The government is hoping the auction can take place in the second half of next year, which would extend the availability of web browsing on mobiles from urban to rural areas. But a review of the likely merger between Orange and T-Mobile could push the auction into 2011 or later.