Shared access licences
The shared access licence is part of a new framework for enabling shared use of spectrum, aiming to make it easier for people and businesses to access spectrum for a wide range of local wireless connectivity applications.
The shared access licence is currently available in four spectrum bands which support mobile technology:
- 1800 MHz band: 1781.7 to 1785 MHz paired with 1876.7 to 1880 MHz;
- 2300 MHz band: 2390 to 2400 MHz;
- 3800 to 4200 MHz band; and
- 24.25-26.5 GHz. This band is only available for indoor low power licences.
Two types of licences are available:
- Low power licence. This authorises users to deploy as many base stations as they require within a circular area with a radius of 50 metres as well as the associated fixed, nomadic or mobile terminals connected to the base stations operating within the area.
- Medium power licence. This authorises a single base station and the associated fixed, nomadic or mobile terminals connected to the base station.
Our shared access guidance (PDF, 1.1 MB) includes details on licence fees, the application process, and licence terms and conditions. The shared access licences we issue are published in our spectrum information portal.
Shared access application form (PDF, 1.5 MB)
The same annual licence fee applies for both low power or medium power licences. This is £80 in the 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz band, and £80 per 10 MHz in the 3.8 to 4.2 GHz band.
This table shows the annual licence fee for the different channel sizes.
Channel size | Price per channel |
|---|---|
2x3.3 MHz | £80 |
10 MHz | £80 |
20 MHz | £160 |
30 MHz | £240 |
40 MHz | £320 |
50 MHz | £400 |
60 MHz | £480 |
80 MHz | £640 |
100 MHz | £800 |
For the 26 GHz band, the annual licence fee is £320 and does not vary by bandwidth.
Short-term licences of less than one year in the 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, 3.8 to 4.2 GHz and the 26 GHz will be priced on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum cost of £32 per licence.
On 9 December 2019, the spectrum 1781.7-1785.0 MHz paired with 1876.7-1880.0 MHz was incorporated into the new Shared Access licence product.
All former Concurrent licences were either surrendered as of that date, or varied to reflect the new technical assignment criteria. Three licensees with active deployments have had their data migrated into new Shared Access licences.
Those licensees who did not opt to surrender their unused licences retain licence documents, however with no assignments recorded. Any future applications for new deployments will be processed under the Shared Access arrangements.