Spectrum awards

Spectrum-awards

There are no awards in progress at the moment.

mmWave

We are enabling the industry to use a large amount of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands (together, “mmWave spectrum”) for new services, including 5G. The 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum bands, which together comprise 6.25 GHz of spectrum, have both been identified for mobile services globally, and for 5G in Europe. Making mmWave spectrum available for new uses has the potential to deliver significant benefits to people and businesses in the UK.

All of our publications relating to the mmWave award are available on our page “Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses”.

1.4 GHz

On 18 October 2023, we published a call for inputs (PDF, 2.3 MB) on making the 1492-1517 MHz block of the 1.4 GHz band available for mobile use. This seeks stakeholders’ comments on our initial technical analysis of the likely extent of interference mobile use of this spectrum could cause to users of the adjacent 1.5 GHz band, and on our initial views on the measures we could take to mitigate this interference risk.

Award Status Date
700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz Completed 2021
2.3 GHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz Completed 2018
870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz Completed 2014
600 MHz Award Completed 2013
800 MHz and 2.6 GHz Completed 2013
790 - 862 MHz Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) 2009
2500-2690 MHz (with 2010 -2025 MHz) Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award). Also see 2010-2025 MHz 2009
542 550 MHz (Licence covering Cardiff area) Completed 2008
758 766 MHz Manchester area Completed  2008
1452-1492 MHz (L Band) Completed 2008
Digital Dividend Review Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) 2008
10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz Completed 2007
1785-1805 MHz in Northern Ireland Completed   2007
412-414 MHz/422-424 MHz Completed  2006
1781.7-1785 MHz/1876.7-1880 MHz (GSM/ DECT guard bands) Completed 2006
3.4GHz Fixed Wireless Access Completed  2003
28GHz Broadband Fixed Wireless Access Completed  2000
Third Generation (3G) Mobile Completed 2000

Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses

Published: 16 April 2024

Last updated: 3 December 2024

We have set out the design of the auction for awarding citywide licences for the mmWave spectrum and invite evidence on whether to include a negotiation period in the assignment stage.

Award of 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum by auction

Published: 5 May 2021

Last updated: 8 November 2024

The 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz frequency bands are being awarded by auction. The frequency bands are likely to be used by mobile network operators to deliver a range of services, including 5G mobile.

Consultation: Proposals to make auction regulations for the mmWave award

Published: 14 May 2024

Last updated: 25 July 2024

This consultation provides notice of, and invites stakeholders’ views on, Ofcom’s proposals to make regulations for the award by auction of radio spectrum licences in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands.

A guide to Ofcom’s forthcoming spectrum auction

Published: 10 March 2021

Last updated: 10 March 2024

This week Ofcom is launching the latest spectrum auction, which will result in better mobile services and better access to 5G technology.

Ofcom confirms plans for spectrum auction early next year

Published: 8 March 2020

Last updated: 5 January 2024

Ofcom has today confirmed plans to auction important airwaves to help improve mobile broadband and support the rollout of 5G.

Call for Input: Making more spectrum in the 1.4 GHz band available for mobile services

Published: 18 October 2023

Ofcom is seeking views on the technical analysis we have conducted to estimate the likely extent of such interference, and on our initial views on the measures we could take to mitigate the interference risk.

Ofcom spectrum auction: final results announced

Published: 27 April 2021

Last updated: 3 July 2023

Ofcom has today announced the final results of the auction for spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, following completion of the remaining stages.

Ofcom spectrum auction: principal stage results

Published: 17 March 2021

Last updated: 3 July 2023

Ofcom has announced the outcome of the principal stage of its auction to release more airwaves to improve mobile services and support 5G.

700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz auction – stakeholder Q&A

Published: 30 March 2021

Last updated: 17 March 2023

Ofcom finalises rules for mobile airwaves auction

Published: 13 March 2020

Last updated: 17 March 2023

Ofcom has today confirmed how we will release important airwaves to help improve mobile broadband and support the rollout of 5G.

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