Qualcomm Inc. have beaten several other bidders for 40 MHz (1452-1492 MHz) of L-Band radio spectrum in UK comms regulator Ofcom’s latest auction of frequencies, and is most likely use the frequencies for a mobile TV service with partners.

Ofcom said the chip group’s subsidiary, Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd, paid £8.34 million for the spectrum.

Late last month, when it started the auction for the L-band — part of a much wider sell-off of around 400MHz of valuable spectrum by the regulator over the coming year — Ofcom indicated it expected to get a minimum of £50,000 per 1.7 MHz block and £150,000 for the 12.5 MHz block, bringing the total reserve amount to £950,000.

Qualcomm and Ofcom have both stressed the spectrum acquired is technology neutral and can be used for wireless broadband or satellite radio, the most likely scenario is that it will be used for a MediaFlo based mobile TV service.

Qualcomm are the developer’s of the MediaFlo technology and are already using it for delivering content to mobile phones in the U.S in partnership with Verizon and AT&T, and it has already been tested in the U.K. with partners including pay TV provider BSkyB.

The on-line auction was held earlier this month and also included mobile phone operator O2, Arqiva Limited and The Joint Radio Company, amongst others.

“Qualcomm has a long history of innovation and creating new technology markets,” said Andrew Gilbert, executive vice president of Qualcomm.

“Acquiring this spectrum will enable us to develop, test and explore a variety of innovative wireless services and technologies that will benefit European consumers and the wireless industry as a whole.”