The UK’s regulator, Ofcom, has outlined the rules which will govern its next 5G-focused auctions, in 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz. No dates are set as yet, but the regulator will offer national licences totalling 80 MHz in the sub-GHz band and 120 MHz in the midband. Unlike its counterparts in France, Germany, Austria and others, Ofcom is not imposing coverage obligations, which seems to be a prize to the country’s four MNOs in return for accepting the controversial Shared Rural Network plan, which was finalized this month. Ofcom said 5G coverage mandates would not be necessary “because the MNOs have committed to achieve more comprehensive mobile coverage in the Shared Rural Network programme than we would be able to…