1.4 GHz spectrum auction: statements and consultations

Spectrum Spectrum awards Consultations and statements

Published: 18 October 2023

Consultation closes: 25 April 2025

Status: Statement Published (Closed)

Last updated: 30 October 2026

1.4 GHz spectrum has been harmonised for international mobile telecommunications use, and 40 MHz of this spectrum (1452-1492 MHz) has already been deployed 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.

Our statements and consultations 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, are below.

On 30 October 2026, we published the following documents:

A statement on our decision to make regulations for the award by auction of a radio spectrum licence authorising use of 1492-1517 MHz.
A statement on our decision to make three statutory instruments (a Limitation Order, and amendments to the Mobile Trading and Register Regulations) in connection with the award.
Process guidance for potential applicants and bidders in the auction of 1492-1517 MHz.
An Information Memorandum, which provides information for parties considering bidding in the auction

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

Auction documents

The Information Memorandum provides information for parties considering bidding in the auction, regarding the relevant spectrum, the licence terms, and the award process.

The Process Guidance is designed to provide information about practical aspects of the auction to potential applicants and bidders.

1.4 GHz spectrum auction: Process guidance for potential applicants and bidders in the auction of 1492 – 1517 MHz

Notices relating to making statutory instruments

This document provides notice of the final draft of the regulations for indicative purposes, in substantially the form which we intend to make and submit for registration and publication.

When enacted these regulations will give effect to the decisions set out in our auction design decision documents.

This document provides notice of Ofcom’s decision to make three statutory instruments in connection with making the 1492 – 1517 MHz available for mobile services. Ofcom intends to make these statutory instruments shortly after making the auction regulations.

Policy consultations and statements

Consultation: Award of 1492-1517 MHz spectrum for mobile services - competition assessment

Call for Input: Making more spectrum in the 1.4 GHz band available for mobile services (PDF, 2.3 MB)

Updates and clarifications

On 17 February 2025, we republished the ‘Ports and Airports proposed PFD limited and Coordination zone shapefiles’ with additional files to ensure their compatibility with relevant GIS mapping software.

On 5 February 2025, we republished “Consultation: Award of 1492-1517 MHz spectrum for mobile services” to correct an error in Table 5.1.