Ofcom gives six operators green light to bid for spectrum

For one of two reasons:

They either want to hold it for re-sell it at a higher price later on, or they're planning to lunch a fixed wireless business similar to what UK Broadband does in Central London.

US-Based?? Slough, Ohio??

A little research would have shown that there are far more people based in Bath Road, Slough and Tel Aviv, than the team selling and delivering to Sprint in the US.

We're not selling the spectrum. Ofcom issue indefinite licences, but there's a minimum term (20 years last time) beyond which the licence can be revoked (with 5 years notice) if required for spectrum management reasons. Oh, and in addition to the initial licence fee there are annual licence fees. So actually pretty close to what you suggested, and maybe even better.

Do Not Feed The...

Copy and paste much?

You were right with the first sentence, a beauty contest would yield better experience and lower prices but, really do you not read the articles that you comment upon?

This is OfCom's attempt to create competitive behaviour, but spectrum fragmentation reduces experience, increases cost and does nothing for consumer prices.