Ofcom has named the four main UK mobile operators as confirmed bidders for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, but warned that the coronavirus could delay proceedings. EE, O2, Three and Vodafone had been nominated as qualified bidders for the sale of 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz airwaves in December and their confirmation completes the latest step in what has been a long-standing process. The auction was expected to take place in the spring of 2020, but the pandemic has pushed that date back to January 2021. But following recent events, Ofcom has suggested there could be further scrutiny. "We are keeping the timing of the start of the auction under close scrutiny in light of the recent worsening of the coronavirus situation, and will publish an update on this in due course," the regulator said. A total of 200 MHz of spectrum is available, including 80 MHz of 700 MHz long-range frequencies broadcast by digital terrestrial television (DTT) and 120 MHz of 3,6-3,8 GHz medium waves. This equates to a 18% increase in the amount of spectrum available to operators. The auction will consist of two stages. The main stage will see participants bid for separate lots of spectrum and the allocation stage will determine specific frequencies. Operators will be able to negotiate among themselves so that their new spectrum is adjacent to existing frequencies. O2 had opposed the two-step process and wanted the spectrum harmonized in contiguous blocks, while Vodafone wanted the auction abandoned in favor of an allocation process. This, according to the operator, would reduce the cost of licenses and allow more money to be spent on network infrastructure.