Statement published 15 April 2026
We are consulting on proposals to make new regulations entitled The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (the “Proposed Regulations”).
The Proposed Regulations would introduce new licence exemptions and update the technical conditions of existing exemptions. The Proposed Regulations are as a result of policy decisions we have made in our Statement of 3 February 2025 regarding increasing use of the 27.5-30 GHz and 32 GHz bands (the “February statement”) and our Statement of 27 October on making additional equipment licence exempt (the “October statement”).
What we are proposing – in brief
We are giving notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (the “Proposed Regulations”). The Proposed Regulations would amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 2021 (the “2021 Regulations”) in relation to the following:
- Short Range Devices (SRDs): introduce new licence exemptions for the use of additional SRD equipment and to amend existing licence exemption rules for a range of SRDs;
- Group B Autonomous Maritime Radio Devices (AMRDs): introduce a new licence exemption for use of AMRD equipment categorised as ‘Group B’ equipment where this uses the frequency 9 MHz (Channel 2006;
- Coastal Station radio training schools: introduce a new licence exemption for use of these very low power indoor systems used for training purposes;
- 5.8 GHz Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): introduce a new licence exemption for use of this equipment; and
- High density fixed satellite service (HDFSS) systems: update the existing licence exemption to extend the frequency range for use of these systems in the 28 GHz band.