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.
Use the shared access application form (PDF, 1.5 MB) to apply for shared access licences in any of the shared bands.
The shared access licences we issue are published in our spectrum information portal.
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.