Statement: 1.4 GHz spectrum auction

1.4 GHz spectrum has been harmonised for international mobile telecommunications (“IMT”) use, and 40 MHz of this spectrum (1452-1492 MHz) has already been deployed by mobile network operators (“MNOs”) in the UK.  We have decided to auction the 25 MHz upper block (1492-1517 MHz) for mobile use.

We expect that deployment of this spectrum will improve the performance of mobile services for consumers, particularly where coverage is patchy, for example indoors and in rural areas.

We have published our decisions relating to how we will make the 1492-1517 MHz spectrum available, including coexistence measures designed to reduce the risk of blocking interference to users in the adjacent 1.5 GHz band.

Our consultation on our proposals to make regulations for the award by auction of a radio spectrum licence in the 1492-1517 MHz frequency range was published on 25 June 2026.  

Our consultation on our proposals to make three statutory instruments in connection with the award was published on 15 July 2026.

We currently expect to open applications for the auction of the 1492-1517 MHz spectrum in mid-January 2027 and complete the award process before the end of February 2027. Applications will not open before 14 January 2027. We will publish any further updates on our website.

Notices relating to making statutory instruments  

Policy consultations and statements  

Updates and clarifications