Ofcom has been urged to speed up the auction of the 4G spectrum by Simon Towler, the government's head of spectrum and broadband policy.

Speaking at the Westminster eForum on Thursday (November 10th), he said the regulator should "get on with this [4G] auction and do it as soon as possible", PC Pro reports.

Mr Towler told the seminar that two developments will be required to improve wireless speeds in the UK: "More spectrum, more masts or both".

After recently announcing that the 4G auction will be pushed back until the end of next year, Ofcom has been heavily criticised for what some industry commentators have described as a sluggish approach to the issue.

The auction was originally due to take place in the first quarter of 2012, but the regulator decided to postpone it in the face of disputes among rival mobile operators.

Earlier this month, a report from the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee urged mobile companies and the watchdog to put their differences aside and ensure the auction gets underway.

"Further delays will result in the UK falling further behind in this vital area. The auction needs to proceed as soon as possible," said John Whittingdale MP, chair of the committee.

During this week's Westminster eForum, several industry figures voiced concern over the latest delay to the 4G spectrum action.

"Spectrum is the lifeblood of the digital economy," commented Alastair Davidson, managing director of government, mobile and enterprise at broadcast transmission provider Arqiva.

European countries such as Germany, Italy and Sweden have already carried out their 4G spectrum auctions.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey has suggested the government will use 4G coverage to achieve its target of delivering minimum broadband speeds of 2Mbps to all British homes and businesses by 2015.

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