'Kick in the teeth' Three Mobile SLAMS Ofcom over mobile spectrum cap
COMMUNICATIONS watchdogs have imposed curbs on the release of airways to meet growing demand for mobile broadband.
Three UK called Ofcom's plan a 'kick in the teeth for all consumers'
Ofcom, which is making available more mobile capacity to provide better support for 4G and 5G services, will introduce a 37 per cent cap on all usable mobile spectrum that one operator can control by 2020.
Operator Three UK called Ofcom's plan "a kick in the teeth for all consumers", arguing that it would restrict choice and push up prices.
By making decisions that increase the dominance of the largest operators, Ofcom is damaging competition, restricting choice and pushing prices up for the very consumers that it is meant to protect
Three chief David Dyson added: "By making decisions that increase the dominance of the largest operators, Ofcom is damaging competition, restricting choice and pushing prices up for the very consumers that it is meant to protect."
Ofcom's spectrum boss Philip Marnick said the regulator had "designed this auction to ensure that people and businesses continue to benefit from strong competition for mobile services".
Three argued that it would restrict choice and push up prices
He added: "We want to see this spectrum in use as soon as possible.
"With smartphones and tablets using even more data, people need a choice of fast and reliable mobile networks.
Three chief David Dyson said Ofcom is damaging competition
"These new airwaves will support better services for mobile users, and allow operators to innovate and build for the future.