Ofcom Aims to Keep 4 Operators by Capping U.K. Spectrum Bids

U.K. regulator Ofcom said it may impose limits on the minimum and maximum amounts of mobile-phone frequencies that Vodafone Group Plc and other operators can bid for in an auction that may raise as much 2.6 billion pounds ($4.2 billion.)

The regulator said it wanted to maintain at least four national operators in the market, according to a statement today. Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.’s 3 unit, the smallest of the four operators, said previously it may be forced out if it fails to win enough spectrum.