By Rory Gallivan
LONDON--U.K. telecommunications regulator Ofcom announced Friday
a reduction in how much it proposes charging mobile network
operators such as Vodafone Group PLC (VOD.LN) and Telefonica SA
(TEF) for their spectrum licenses.
Ofcom said it now proposes charging Vodafone and Telefonica 65.8
million pounds ($111 million) a year each in license fees for 900
megahertz and 1800 megahertz spectrum, down from a previous
proposal of GBP83.1 million.
It now proposes charging EE, formerly known as Everything
Everywhere, GBP86.4 million, down from the previously proposed
GBP107.1 million, and H3G, the Three brand owner, GBP28.8 million,
down from GBP35.7 million before.
"We expected substantial responses to our initial proposals,
which are based on complex analysis," said Philip Marnick, Group
Director of Ofcom's Spectrum Group.
"We've listened carefully to the arguments and evidence put
forward during the consultation, which has helped refine our
proposals."
Write to Rory Gallivan at rory.gallivan@wsj.com; Twitter:
@RoryGallivan
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