Ofcom to Drastically Increase UK Mobile Operator Licence Fees
Carriers could see annual license fees increase by up to four times.
UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom has announced a consultation into the revision of annual license fees for mobile network operators. Specifically, these fees would affect operators using the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands, which are used for voice calls, 3G and some 4G services. Ofcom said it was instructed by the government to revise these fees so they reflect full market value. Networks currently pay a combined £24.8 million annually for the 900 MHz spectrum, and £39.7 million for the 1800 MHz spectrum.
To calculate the new licensing payment figures, Ofcom took into account the sums carriers paid in the recent 4G spectrum auction as well as the figures bid in spectrum auctions abroad. The watchdog also looked at the technical and commercial characteristics of the UK spectrum bands. The resulting revised figures would bring the total figure for the 900 MHz spectrum to £138.5 million and £170 million for the 1800 MHz spectrum.
Broken down by carrier, Vodafone and O2 would see their annual license fees boosted from £15.6 million to £83.1 million, while EE (which owns EE, Orange and T-Mobile) would go from £24.9 million to £107.1 million. H3G, operator of 3UK, would see its fees jump from £8.3 million to £35.7 million. Ofcom says subject to this consultation (which closes December 19), the new annual license fees are likely to come into effect in 2014.
Follow Jane McEntegart @JaneMcEntegart. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
-
gofasterstripes Eeer, and where is this going to come from?Reply
Don't get me wrong, I want those buggers to pay their due to the government - but if my phone bill goes up, I'll be furious.
Suck it up, networks and don't dump on me. -
Tomtompiper Put into perspective this is around 16% of O2's profits last year, this could easily be absorbed by operating efficiencies, but new customers should expect to foot some of the cost. Existing customers are protected from above inflation rises by the terms of their Contact, but Pay & Go customers should prepare for the worst, they are an easy target.Reply -
dark_knight33 Reply11696515 said:Eeer, and where is this going to come from?
Don't get me wrong, I want those buggers to pay their due to the government - but if my phone bill goes up, I'll be furious.
Suck it up, networks and don't dump on me.
Accept *less* profit? Are you insane?! If they took that out of their bottom line the whole company might come down! With less profit, telecommunications would end as you know it. No... No, there is no "less profit". You pay up.
*That* is the world we live in today.
/sadface