The Lucky Cabin

BT has recently threatened the government to sue it if the government decides to assign the 3G licenses under the Digital Britain project instead of selling them by auction. In a letter sent to the Business Secretary, BT has stated that it is not convinced by the idea of extending the 3G licenses indefinitely.

The government had been in intense discussion with five mobile operators regarding renewal of 3G license which was supposed to expire in 2012. They reached an agreement that the government will extend the license in return for the undertaking by the companies that they will extend broadband to even remote areas of the UK. It is intended to help in development of broadband all over the country but it seems that actually the mobile operators will get a huge benefit it the cost of the people.

According to BT, it is an unfair advantage given to some players in the mobile industry. It would be better to distribute the licenses through an auction in which everyone can participate and acquire the licenses in a fair manner.

BT has taken its concern to BIS, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and is hoping that the authority will pay attention to it. In response to the same, the BIS has already extended the deadline for discussion on the plans. The current deadline for finishing the talks on the issue is 5th February. However, the mobile operators believe that 5th February is very close to elections and will not leave the government with any time to decide as to how to implement these decisions through legislation.

For more information on 3G internet, or the mobile broadband providers, look at mobile.broadbandgenie.co.uk. There is useful information on dongle broadband; it is worth a look at the website for and their comparative table of broadband UK providers, which includes an analysis of their products and services.