Six organisations have qualified to bid in an auction for the use of the spectrum bands 412-414MHz paired with 422-424MHz, Ofcom confirmed today. 

Only two of the major mobile phone companies are included in the final six firms, with Motorola and T-Mobile winning through. 

The remaining four applicants are AirRadio, Arqiva, The Joint Radio Company and Ventura Team Spectrum One.

The spectrum on offer can be used for a number of purposes, including private business radio for taxi companies, public access mobile radio systems for broadcast on a local, regional or national basis, or events such as outside TV broadcasts.

The four licences will now be offered in a sealed bid auction on 5 October.

"A total of four megahertz of spectrum is available and Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 licences will be awarded on a technology and application neutral basis," said a statement from Ofcom.