BSkyB considers entry into mobile phone marketplace

Broadcaster investigates possibility of bidding in Everything Everywhere’s 1800Mhz spectrum auction

Satellite broadcaster BSkyB is contemplating a move into the UK mobile phone market by bidding for part of the 1800-Mhz spectrum put up for sale by Everything Everywhere, according to The Sunday Times.

Reports claim that the company – which already has divisions in broadcasting, home telephones and broadband – held a meeting with spectrum auction organiser Morgan Stanley to discuss a bid, which could lead to a mobile phone service being included in some of its packages.

The newspapers ‘banking sources’ also concluded that the broadcaster could afford the estimated £3bn-£4bn it would cost to build a nationwide phone network.