Unused parts of the radio spectrum are to be auctioned for provision of mobile broadband services, regulator Ofcom revealed today.

Bandwidth in the 10 GHz to 40 GHz range can carry large volumes of data over distances of up to 12km, making it ideally suited for sharing high-speed internet access between several adjacent buildings.

The spectrum will be sold via an online auction provisionally scheduled for 16 January - a date Ofcom will confirm before Christmas.

The regulator says that use of radio spectrum contributes at least £37bn or 3 per cent to UK gross domestic product.