Spectrum Auction Support
Mott MacDonald were commissioned by MTN Nigeria to provide 3G Licence Auction Support. The support consisted of developing a detailed 3G cost/revenue model to determine the auction stop loss price. In addition a detailed spectrum review was carried out to determine the optimum spectrum for purpose, This information was then used to formulate the bid strategy, which was approved and resulted in MTN acquiring a 3G Licence.


Spectrum Framework Review
The European Commission engaged Mott MacDonald and its consortium members to produce a study on legal, economic and technical aspects of ‘collective use’ of spectrum in the European Community.
This study considered how the extension of the collective use approach might contribute to broader EU policy objectives, with regard to optimising the use of scarce radio spectrum resources, strengthening the internal market, supporting innovation, and promoting competitiveness.
Click here› to view a PDF of the final report›.

Spectrum allocation options
Ofcom and the Public Safety and Spectrum Management Group (PSSPG) commissioned Mott MacDonald to produce a study to assess the future spectrum requirements to meet emergency and public safety services 2010-2020.

This study informed the PSSPG & Ofcom of the spectrum requirements for the Emergency & Public Safety Services (E&PSS) in the period 2010-2020, in particular taking into account the existing spectrum holdings, changes in working practices and the expectation that not all of the wide-band data services will be carried on dedicated emergency service networks.

This study was in response to the independent audit of spectrum holdings (www.spectrumaudit.org.uk), which reviewed the civil spectrum policy and whether this could be released into the market either through sharing or trading. As a result of this audit the government bodies with responsibility for the spectrum (i.e. PSSPG & Ofcom) were to assess there holdings and contribute to a forward look document. This study provided the independent assessment and material for the forward look on behalf of the E&PSS. (click here› to read further. )

Technical Spectrum Studies
The Department of Trade and Industry commissioned Mott MacDonald to produce a study into the regulatory aspects of the harmonised spectrum of UWB and the effect on licensed services around 3GHz.


Ultra Wide Band (UWB) is an emerging technology for future short distance high data rate wireless communication. It is expected to have a number of potential commercial and mass market applications, but there have been some concerns raised in UK and elsewhere about the interference potential to other radio services. In order to gain an appreciation of the use and the technical implications of UWB the DTI commissioned a short independent study. This reviewed UWB technology and the likely issues that would arise. The study concluded that subject to suitable regulatory limits applying, UWB can be readily deployed in the UK without undue interference.


Study into the sharing and compatibility of GSM-R (GSM for Railways) and Ptarmigan (Mobile Secure Battlefield System – MoD)
Mott MacDonald was commissioned by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, to settle a spectrum usage issue in the GSM-R frequency bands. Under the terms of a relatively long-standing general agreement, both Network Rail and the Ministry of Defence desired to operate different equipment in close physical proximity and using the same spectrum. Interference was a significant concern and had already been experienced. We led a review, the first of its kind in the UK, to determine the likely extent of any interference and to examine the parties’ future options. Our recommendations have been accepted by Ofcom, Network Rail and the MoD.


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