Written question asked by Mike Weatherley (Conservative) on Monday, 9 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 January 2012. It was answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) on Friday, 20 January 2012 on behalf of the Ofcom.

Ofcom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with Ofcom on the future use of 700MHz band; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The matter raised is an operational one for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Accordingly, my officials spoke to Ofcom, who advised:"Ofcom has had early discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the potential implications of the future European harmonisation of the 700 MHz band for mobile broadband use. Ofcom intends to issue a consultation on this matter during the first half of 2012."

Secondary information