Spectrum

This 2017 document sets out a detailed technical study into the coexistence of 4G mobile phones and hearing aids and associated accessories.

In 2015 we commissioned a report from Transfinite Systems to provide an independent view of geographic sharing in C-band (between 3.6 GHz to 4.2 GHz) within the UK.

In 2014 we carried out research to understand the increasing pressure on spectrum for the programme-making and special events (PMSE) sector.

In 2014 we examined to what extent a new class of devices - white space devices (WSDs) - could cause interference resulting in video and audio quality degradation, for both programme-making and special events and for digital terrestrial television.

• TV white spaces: PMSE coexistence tests
• TV white spaces: DTT coexistence tests

In 2014 we conducted research into machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, an emerging area with a large and growing range of applications. These include better management of city infrastructures, greater building security, more regular flows of transport traffic, improving energy efficiency, and health monitoring.

In 2013 we carried out research into Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, which was expected to offer a range of benefits to end users, including the potential for increased data rates and lower latency compared to existing 3G networks.

In 2013 we conducted a survey of IEEE 802.11 WiFi usage in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands at various urban locations in the UK, to gain a clearer understanding of the state of these licence-exempt spectrum bands.

We also conducted a 2008 project on better managing licence-exempt usage.

In 2013 we examined whether climate change is having a sufficiently large effect on rain rates in the UK that the rain map used to calculate fade margins for microwave links should be revised.

In 2011 we carried out research to determine the usefulness of a range of different frequencies between 500 MHz and 5 GHz for providing in-home wireless coverage.

In 2010 we conducted a study into the propagation of signals into and out of buildings.

We have also conducted a wide array of studies into spectrum propagation.

This 2011 project aimed to identify the best available information on the relative increase in capacity for 4G systems relative to 3G, while identifying the technical and demand factors which create variability in the results.

A 2009 report evaluated the policy of charging spectrum fees based on Administered Incentive Pricing (AIP), i.e. setting fees to reflect the opportunity cost of spectrum denied to other uses and users, rather than just the costs of managing the radio spectrum.

In 2003 the Radiocommunications Agency commissioned a study from Indepen and Aegis, together with Warwick Business School, to review the application of AIP to radio spectrum.

This study sought to measure the economic impact of the use of radio spectrum in the UK for the year ending 31 March 2006.

Our 2009 research investigated the ways future spectrum use may develop, and how it could affect spectrum trading value.

Through our technology team, we support the compatibility, testing and compliance of new radio technologies with existing radio equipment. This 2005 report was supported by ERA Technology.

In 2005 we explored whether large amounts of spectrum could be freed up for commercial purposes if radar systems can be improved in terms of their spectral efficiency, moved to a different frequency band in lower demand, or could share the spectrum with commercial users.

This 2005 document outline the results of a study aimed at evaluating the impact of emissions from Ultra Wideband (UWB) devices on the Radio Astronomy service (RAS) in the UK.

We have carried out a range of research into spectrum liberalisation, as set out in our Spectrum Framework Review.

In 2005 we commissioned MORI to assess the views and opinions of licence holders as part of our consultation on proposals to reform amateur radio licensing.

We have conducted a number of studies into spectrum monitoring systems to better understand the state and use of spectrum.

We considered projects looking at existing uses of the radio spectrum, and asked whether there are more efficient ways to achieve the same service.

Ofcom received two reports on the international framework of spectrum management. These were commissioned by the Radiocommunications Agency as part of the Government's response to the independent review of radio spectrum management by Professor Martin Cave.