By Ian Walker

LONDON--U.K. telecoms regulator Ofcom said Monday that BT/EE won't be able to bid for spectrum in the 2.3GHz band when the auction starts next year because it already owns 45% of useable U.K. mobile spectrum.

The regulator, which will auction 190MHz of spectrum in the 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz bands next year, said BT/EE would have more than half the market if it were allowed to bid. By capping the so-called "immediately useable" spectrum. BT/EE's share would fall to 42%. Vodafone Group PLC (VOD.LN) currently holds 28%, O2 15% and Three 12%.

Philip Marnick, Ofcom spectrum group director, said: "The U.K. has long benefited from strong mobile competition. We are designing the auction to ensure everyone benefits from a market that continues to innovate and serve them well."

Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com; @IanWalk40289749

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 21, 2016 02:41 ET (07:41 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Vodafone (NASDAQ:VOD)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Vodafone Charts.
Vodafone (NASDAQ:VOD)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Vodafone Charts.