Mobile broadband spectrum talks hit impasse

Negotiations to free up the radio spectrum for mobilebroadband provision have stalled, but the government is still hopeful of a resolution, reports suggest.

Communications minister Lord Carter's first lieutenant Kip Meek is currently trying to negotiate a deal for the mobile operators to share out the 900 Mhz spectrum for future mobilebroadband coverage.

This is viewed as an essential component in the push towards enabling the government's pledge to provide broadband of a minimum speed of 2Mbps for every UK household by 2012.

However, Vodafone and O2 are standing firm on the portion of the radio spectrum which they were awarded in the 1980s, rather than share it out with T-Mobile, Orange and 3, reports the Guardian.

This may now result in the government limiting the amount mobile operators can own of the analogue TV signal, which is due to be turned off in 2012.

It is believed that mobile and satellite broadband will be vital for reaching remote and rural areas of the UK where the cost of improving fixed networks proves prohibitive.

In related news, the Treasury has recently suggested that talks should be held with the BBC Trust about using the £250 million excess from the digital switchover pot towards future broadband provision.