The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Dunne)
Following my written ministerial statement on 17 December 2012, Official Report, column 71WS, I can confirm to the House that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is preparing to release radio spectrum to the communications regulator, Ofcom, who will then conduct the process.
The MOD believes that this option provides the best route to release much needed spectrum to the commercial market. The spectrum will be able to provide additional capacity for fourth-generation mobile networks, help expand wireless access to broadband services and aid future innovations in mobile technology, all of which will make significant contributions to UK economic growth.
As previous stated the MOD’s plans are part of a Government commitment that at least 500 MHz of public spectrum will be released by 2020 for new mobile commercial uses.