The U.K. Office of Communications wants input on...

satisfying the demand for such services, including the need for continuing technology improvements to increase the capacity and performance of mobile and Wi-Fi networks, and deploying networks that make even more effective use of existing spectrum by, for example, use of smaller cells and Wi-Fi, it said. Other concerns are to ensure competition in mobile data services; consider other demands for spectrum, not just for mobile data; and meet potential increasing expectations and demands for ubiquitous coverage of mobile data services for such things as new machine-to-machine applications, it said. Ofcom is already working on freeing spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.4 GHz and UHF TV white space bands, it said. It proposed giving high priority to releasing spectrum in the 1452-1492 MHz, 1980-2010/2170-2200 MHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz and 5350-5470 and 5725-5925 MHz bands. As a medium-high priority, Ofcom said it will continue to support several bands as potential candidates for consideration at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015: 2.7-2.9 GHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz. In the longer run, the regulator said it will continue to engage in international talks on the future of the 470-694 MHz band while safeguarding digital terrestrial TV and wireless microphone users; and will consider the 450-470 MHz band for mobile data. Ofcom said it expects to publish a statement in Q2 2014. Comments are due Jan. 30.