Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Ltd, or Three, plans to seek a judicial review of competition measures for the upcoming spectrum auction, a company spokesperson confirmed in an emailed statement to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

U.K. telecoms regulator Ofcom is aware of the decision, the representative for the telco said.

"We anticipate a short process and a court decision by early 2018. Ofcom does not expect commercial 5G services in the U.K. before 2020, so this short process will not impact the availability of 5G to U.K. consumers," the company representative further added.

Three reportedly accused the regulator of violating the law for failing to tilt the auction further in its favor.

Therefore, the company believes that an independent review of Ofcom’s proposal will be "a proportionate response."

"It is absolutely vital that the regulator gets this auction right for the long-term benefit of all consumers," Three's spokesperson explained.

Hutchison 3G UK Holdings is a unit of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.