Europe UK : Ofcom confirmed that mobile operator O2 has now met its obligation to roll out its 3G services to at least 80 per cent of the UK population.

This follows Ofcom's notice to O2 in February that it would shorten its licence by four months if it did not comply with its rollout obligation by June 30 2008. The rollout obligation requires each of the five holders of a 3G licence to roll out their networks to enable the provision of 3G services to at least 80 per cent of the population from 31 December 2007.

Ofcom will conduct a further assessment to ensure that these licensees remain in compliance on 31 December 2008.