UK regulator has announced that a four-year process to release 800MHz spectrum for 4G mobile broadband has been completed. This spectrum was previously used for broadcasting digital TV channels and by wireless audio devices.

Last year, Ofcom secured an accelerated timetable for releasing these frequencies following discussions with TV broadcasters, Digital UK and the transmission company Arqiva. Wednesday’s completion comes five months earlier than originally planned.

The 800 MHz spectrum was auctioned by Ofcom for use by 4G companies in February. Everything Everywhere, has already launched 4G services using a different frequency band – 1800 MHz. The company also won rights to use 800 MHz spectrum in Ofcom’s 4G auction, as did Vodafone, Three and Telefónica UK (O2). Ofcom placed an obligation on one of the 800 MHz spectrum licences, won by Telefónica UK (O2), to cover 98% of the UK indoors by 2017.