US mobile tech firm wins spectrum in UK

San Diego-based mobile technology firm Qualcomm has bought radio spectrum in the UK for £8.3m.

The company outbid others including O2 and Arqiva for the licence to operate services on the 1452-1492MHz band, known as L-band.

Qualcomm has not said what it wants to do with the spectrum, but mobile television, wireless broadband and satellite radio are all possibilities.

In the US the company has built and operates a mobile television network using its own MediaFLO technology, providing video channels to mobile customers of Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

Qualcomm has previously trialled MediaFLO in the UK in partnership with Sky, and expressed an interest in developing services in Europe.

After acquiring the licence, the company said it was not looking to build its own mobile TV network in the UK but may partner with others.

Andrew Gilbert, head of Qualcomm in Europe, said: "We will not attempt to become an operator, but if service providers want to partner with us... we are open to talking."

The firm said in a statement: "Qualcomm considers that the L-band spectrum represents at this stage an opportunity to develop, test and explore a variety of emerging business models, innovative wireless services and technologies."