Cynllun Gweithredu: SFR

Radio spectrum is a vital input to electronic communication services and networks and a major asset to the UK. One of Ofcom’s primary statutory duties is to ensure the optimal use of the radio spectrum in the interests of citizens and consumers. It is essential that the regulatory regime for spectrum is able to respond to changes in the demand for and use of spectrum in the UK.

Ofcom published its statement on the Spectrum Framework Review (SFR) in June 2005. Ofcom’s vision for spectrum management, as set out in the SFR, is for market forces to play an increasingly important role in determining how spectrum is used. Ofcom believes that this will encourage efficiency in spectrum use, by increasing the likelihood that spectrum will be held by those who can make best use of it, and by creating more freedom for spectrum to be used for more valuable applications.

In January 2005, Ofcom published the Spectrum Framework Review: Implementation Plan (“SFR:IP”) which discussed two key areas of implementation of the SFR:

• The release of newly available spectrum into the market over the next 2-3 years.
• The transition to spectrum trading and liberalisation in relation to mobile services.

The main purpose of this document is to provide stakeholders with an update on how Ofcom plans to take forward the issues it discussed in the SFRIP, in particular in relation to the release of newly available spectrum. Ofcom is also publishing today detailed proposals for a particular set of spectrum awards, relating to spectrum at 1781.7-1785 MHz paired with 1876.7-1880 MHz, previously known as the DECT Guard bands. This document sets those particular proposals in context and provides an overview of next steps for the rest of the award programme.