Mobile broadband negotiations deadline passes

The government's deadline to resolve a disagreement between the major operators over usage of the mobilebroadband spectrum has now been passed with no accord being agreed.

Negotiations have been ongoing for Vodafone and O2 to release part of the 900 MHz spectrum they were awarded in the 1980s to the other major providers - T-Mobile, Orange and 3.

It was hoped that an agreement could have signalled the wider usage of the band to provide broadband to remote areas, which could also boost the government's target of guaranteeing a 2Mbps service to all UK households by 2012.

The deadline for resolving these negotiations passed last Wednesday (April 29th), but neither Vodafone nor O2 were reportedly willing to shift in their position.

However, a spokeswoman for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform played down the missed deadline and instead pointed out that ongoing discussion has "thrown up some interesting and positive ideas", reports the Independent.

Communications minister Lord Carter will unveil his final Digital Britain report next month, with firm proposals expected as to how the UK will meet the universal broadband service pledge.