(Telecompaper) Qualcomm said it has put L-Band spectrum for sale in the UK, Reuters reported. The spectrum, owned by Qualcomm UK Spectrum (QUKS), is used to boost downloading capacity. According to Fierce, QUKS paid close to GBP 9 million for its UK L-band spectrum in an auction held by Ofcom in 2008. At the time, the regulator explained that the spectrum was being sold as "part of a wider programme to release spectrum for a range of uses," and that QUKS would be free to decide on the technologies and services to which it would apply the spectrum. The company announced its decision to trade its spectrum after Ofcom opened a consultation on how to award 500 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands that is due to be released by the UK's Ministry of Defence for civil use within five years. Ofcom reasoned that the spectrum is suitable for operators of mobile broadband networks, and is quizzing the industry on whether to award the additional frequencies in two stages, with the bulk of the new spectrum made available later this year or early 2016, and the remainder at a later date. The consultation closes on 26 June.