Re-farming analogue TV spectrum could boost mobile broadband

Using parts of the radio spectrum currently used by analogue television signals could help improve mobilebroadband access across Europe, according to new research.

A study from Pyramid Research found that mobilebroadband services in countries such as the UK, Switzerland and Finland could benefit from use of the 900MHz spectrum that will be freed up by the digital switchover taking place over the next few years.

Improving access to mobilebroadband could give people faster download speeds on the move while also providing better use of VoIP solutions.

Andrei Tchadliev, an analyst at Pyramid Research, said: "Spectrum re-farming is one of the most significant regulatory changes to affect the mobile industry in the past 20 years. However, those with 900MHz assets see re-farming as a threat to their competitive advantage as well as to the quality of their networks."

The UK government is currently negotiating with several major phone companies to use their spectrum to provide broadband access in communities lacking proximity to a telephone exchange.