Qualcomm has inked two separate deals – one each with Vodafone UK and Hutchinson 3G UK Limited – under which the two telecoms companies will be buying L-Band 20 MHz spectrum (1452 – 1492 MHz).
Harmonized and mandated for mobile broadband by the European Union in May 2015, L-Band spectrum can be used for Supplemental Downlink (SDL), helping Mobile Network Operators to meet the global demand for increased mobile data traffic.
SDL can help meet the demand for more downlink centric services, such as video on-demand, to be delivered seamlessly to mobile devices over a cellular data connection, even as data traffic levels continue to increase. It also delivers increases in downlink user experience through aggregation with licensed Frequency-Division Duplexing (FDD) spectrum.
Both sales are subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Both QUKS and Vodafone and H3G will shortly submit respective applications to transfer the spectrum for UK communications regulator Ofcom approval. Details of the terms of the sales are not disclosed.
Akira Partners LLP acted as Qualcomm Incorporated’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.
