Ofcom unveils 4G spectrum auction rules

UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom has cleared the decks for the much-disputed spectrum auction, which aims to bring 4G superfast mobile phone internet to the UK next year, saying it was "fully prepared for litigation" should any of the networks decide to sue.

The largest sale of British airwaves to get under way shortly has been a controversial issue, which has dragged on for years, with each of the UK's four networks threatening to sue the regulator at various times. Analysts say the auction could bring in over £4 billion for the public purse.

According to Ofcom's chief executive, Ed Richards, it was a racing certainty there would be objections but the regulator was prepared for litigation and was fully prepared to defend the decisions that had been taken today.

Lawyers were intently perusing documents on Monday running to 1,000 pages outlining the mechanisms for an auction that are so complicated. It was like ''playing four-dimensional chess,'' The Guardian newspaper quoted one network source as saying.

Meanwhile, the regulator's final draft published yesterday, has been welcomed by the UK's four networks.

According to analysts, the one certain outcome in the circumstances was that the sale would ensure that at least 98 per cent of the UK population would be within indoor range of a 4G signal by 31 December 2017. This would open the internet to many rural homes that currently could not receive even basic broadband.