The online retail giant has submitted its Mobile Manifesto to UK policymakers, such as Ofcom, to move ahead with the 4G spectrum auction to enable the rollout of next generation internet services.A survey of over 2,000 consumers commisioned by eBay demonstrated that almost half (45%) were unhappy with the speed they can download data on their smartphones.

The UK’s 4G spectrum auction has experienced multiple delays, due to competing interests among UK operators, and is now scheduled to take place at the end of next year.

The document revealed that over a third of consumers (36%) already shop on their mobiles whilst travelling – a number which could be boosted to benefit retailers with faster mobile internet and better coverage.

EBay’s Mobile Mainfesto was assembled following consultation with retailers, trade bodies and consumer groups and forecast that the UK’s m-commerce industry can top £4.5bn by 2016.

Miriam Lahage, eBay’s VP of global fashion, said, ““As smartphone and tablet ownership increases there will be even greater potential rewards for companies investing in mobile, and this is particularly true for retailers. 

“At eBay in the UK we now see around 10% of sales by value transacted on mobile devices, but we need the right infrastructure in the UK to match this demand.”

The survey, compiled by Verdict, also revealed that three-quarters of mobile users would shop more if retailers’ websites were optimised for smartphone visitors

Rosie Srao, M&S’ mobile business development manager, said more customers are using its mobile website to update their shopping lists while on the move. “It’s up to us to make sure that we make the customer journey as simple, fast and engaging as possible,” she said.

Some 68% of consumers polled also expressed concerns about giving personal details over a mobile connection, something they think mobile network providers are most responsible for addressing, according to eBay’s research.