FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
13 January 2005
mmO2 plc
Wellington Street
Slough, Berkshire SL1 1YP, England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F..X... Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No ..X...
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82 ________
Enclosure:
Copy of announcement regarding 'Statement re Ofcom's approach' sent to the
London Stock Exchange on 13 January 2005
press release
PR0502
mmO2 WELCOMES OFCOM'S NEW STRATEGIC APPROACH TO UK RADIO SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT
Released: 13 January 2005
The principles behind Ofcom's new, strategic approach to spectrum management in
the UK, published today, have been welcomed by mmO2.
Commenting on the ten week consultative process, Peter Erskine, chief executive
officer of mmO2, said: "We have called for a new approach to how radio spectrum
is managed for several years, and believe that today's announcement by Ofcom has
the potential to lead to a major transition to a market-based approach to
spectrum management that will deliver long-term benefits for mobile consumers.
As research conducted in the past 12 months by the CEBR shows, the UK mobile
industry currently contributes more than 2.3 per cent to GDP, growing to 3 per
cent by 2013, a fact born out of being the most competitive major market in
Europe."
Allowing mobile operators to decide the best use for allocated spectrum rather
than specifying its technological purpose will encourage greater product
innovation and the further development of first-class customer services. Ofcom
has made some initial proposals regarding 2G spectrum for further consultation
and mmO2 looks forward to informing that debate. Clearly, there is a need in the
future spectrum market for all licensees to have the same freedom to determine
the best use of their spectrum and operate on a level playing-field.
mmO2 supports the view that a fair and equal marketplace should be established,
giving existing mobile operators the same flexibility as potential new entrants,
with any service obligations also being applied universally. In particular, mmO2
welcomes Ofcom's pragmatic position on the 3G roll-out obligation. mmO2 has
consistently maintained that market demand should determine the pace and scope
of network roll-out.
The consultation also addresses the possibility of newly auctioned licences
having rolling terms after their initial fixed period. In order to preserve
equality of treatment such proposals would also need to extend to all spectrum
licensees in the future.
Peter Erskine concluded: "We look forward to working closely with Ofcom to
further refine and implement these recommendations over the coming months and
ensuring any changes are in the best interest of customers."
-ends-
mmO2
mmO2 plc has 100% ownership of mobile network operators in three countries - the
UK, Germany and Ireland - as well as a leading mobile Internet portal business.
All of these businesses are branded as 'O2'. The company is a founding member of
Starmap Mobile Alliance, has operations on the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and
owns mmO2 Airwave - an advanced, digital emergency communications service. In
addition, mmO2 has established the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint
venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively.
mmO2 was the first company in the world to launch and rollout a commercial GPRS
(or 2.5G) network and has secured third generation mobile telephony ("3G")
licences in the UK, Ireland and Germany.
mmO2 has more than 22 million customers and some 13,000 employees. It reported
revenues for the year ended 31 March 2004 of GBP5.646 billion. Data represented
nearly 22% of total service revenues in the quarter ending 30 September 2004.
mmO2 Contacts:
David Nicholas Simon Gordon
Director of Communications Press Relations Manager
mmO2 plc mmO2 plc
david.nicholas@o2.com simon.gordon@o2.com
t: +44 (0) 771 575 9176 t: +44 (0) 771 007 0698
All mmO2 Group news releases can be accessed at our web site:
www.mmo2.com
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
mmO2 plc
Date: 13 January 2005 By:___/s/ Robert Harwood___
ROBERT HARWOOD
Assistant Secretary