Mobile operator concerned high spectrum prices in Europe could hit investment in rural networks.

Mobile giant Vodafone Group PLC, has warned European governments that trying to raise the cost of buying spectrum for 4G mobile signals could result in lower investments in rural networks, The Times in London reported Saturday, citing the chief executive.

Spectrum is due to be auctioned in countries such as Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Britain over the next two years, but CEO Vittorio Colao said the repeat of the 2000 sale of 3G licenses, which raked in GBP22.5 billion in Britain alone would\'t be repeated, it added.

The U.K. sale of 4G spectrum is expected to raise GBP4 billion next year, although mobile companies have argued that the potential structure of the sale could limit potential takings.