Progression of the government's plan to bring 4G mobile broadband to rural areas has been welcomed by Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams.

Communications regulator Ofcom has announced plans to auction off mobile spectrum for 4G services, something Mr Adams described as "more good news", the Selby Times reports.

The auction is due to begin later in 2012, although providers will not begin bidding until early next year. Once the new infrastructure is in place, around 98 per cent of the UK population should be able to access some form of mobile broadband.

"This further mobile investment will help transform our business and economy," remarked Mr Adams, who has been a long-time campaigner for increasing broadband access in rural areas.

Ofcom expects services to be rolled out in late 2013 and the mobile spectrum going to auction is equivalent to around 80 per cent more than when 3G spectrum was sold off over a decade ago.

In a statement announcing the move issued late last month, Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said the 4G rollout will mean consumers can access the web and stream video on their smartphone or tablet "from almost every home in the UK".

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