Spectrum management

As the UK’s communications regulator, we have a role to play in enabling the development and rollout of 5G, and unlocking its benefits. We have provided an update on the actions we will be taking to facilitate 5G rollout in the UK.

We are preparing to make sufficient spectrum available for 5G. We are also playing a critical role in international discussions on bands for 5G in CEPT and ITU. In addition, we will be preparing for the next World Radiocommunications Conference in 2019 where spectrum bands for 5G are expected to be identified globally.

Our update on 5G spectrum in the UK (PDF, 2.9 MB) provides an update on international developments, and the programme of work that has been initiated with regards to making spectrum available for 5G.

We are seeking input to inform our programme of work to make 26 GHz available for 5G. Our call for inputs also sets out our thinking on which other bands we will prioritise for 5G.

On 7 December 2017, we responded to Government’s request that we review “the scope for the spectrum licensing regime to facilitate better 4G and 5G deployment at national, regional and local scales, including in-building usage”. See our review of the authorisation regime for spectrum access (PDF, 160.8 KB).

On 1 February 2019, we published a discussion paper on how wireless technology can help business to innovate and be more efficient.

Our mobile data strategy is our long term strategy to address the increasing use of data by mobile devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops. There are a number of ways to increase the capacity of mobile networks to deal with this growth, such as more efficient technology and greater use of small cells, but use of additional spectrum is likely to be part of the solution. Our mobile data strategy identifies spectrum bands for potential mobile use and prioritises our efforts on these. It describes what we plan to do to better understand the possibilities for each band, and, where appropriate, ensure there is an option for future mobile use. We updated our strategy in June 2016 to take into account new developments such as developments in 5G technology.

We have consulted on our space spectrum strategy, which sets out Ofcom’s proposed strategy for the management of spectrum used by the satellite and space science (including earth observation) sectors. These sectors deliver important benefits to UK citizens and consumers, such as broadcast TV, global positioning, communications to ships and aircraft, satellite imagery and information about our climate. There is potential for greater benefits in the future and, once confirmed, the strategy will shape the prioritisation of our work in these sectors over the coming years.

Our Space Spectrum Strategy covers the use of spectrum by the satellite and space science sectors, including meteorological and earth observation satellites.

These sectors already deliver important benefits and our strategy sets out the priorities on which we will focus to enable even greater benefits in the future:

• Enabling growth in satellite broadband;
• Enabling earth observation growth; and
• Recognising the existing benefits of satellite and space science whilst exploring opportunities for new uses.

Delivery of these priorities sits alongside our on-going activities in these sectors, including management of satellite filings and earth station licensing.

Details relating to the development of our current Space Spectrum Strategy are available here:

2015 Strategic review of satellite and space science use of spectrum - Call for input

2016 Space spectrum strategy consultation

2017 Space spectrum statement

We have undertaken a strategic review of spectrum requirements for Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE). The review has delivered a spectrum strategy to ensure users of wireless cameras and video links (video PMSE) continue to have access to sufficient spectrum to support their activities.

For audio PMSE the review delivered a new spectrum sharing option for low power audio PMSE devices such as wireless microphones with aeronautical radio navigation services in the 960 to 1164 MHz band.

Enabling wireless innovation through local licensing

In July 2019, we introduced a new licensing approach through spectrum sharing which provides localised access to spectrum bands that can support mobile technology. This allows more people and businesses to use spectrum from a choice of frequency bands. It could support growth and innovation across a range of sectors.

These are:

a) the shared access licence, which gives access to four spectrum bands which support mobile technology.

b) the local access licence, which provides a way for other users to access spectrum which has already been licensed to the UK’s mobile network operators (MNOs), in locations where an MNO is not using their spectrum.

A framework for spectrum sharing

Our 2016 statement sets out a framework that we will use to assess spectrum sharing opportunities. This framework will support all our spectrum authorisation decisions in response to growing demand for spectrum access.

The framework is relevant to any spectrum band and any new demand to use spectrum, but whether applying the framework leads to proposals for sharing in any given case will depend on its specific circumstances.

In 2010 we published our Strategic Review of Spectrum Pricing, which set out the general principles and methodology that we use to set spectrum fees, known generically as 'spectrum pricing'. This review includes both AIP fees based on the opportunity cost of the spectrum used, and fees that reflect our costs.

Our 2014 statement, Spectrum Pricing: A framework for setting cost based fees, builds on the 2010 strategic review. The statement sets out our decision to adopt a Wireless Telegraphy Act fees framework and cost allocation methodology for licence classes where we apply cost based fees.

From time to time Ofcom undertakes activities to clear existing authorised users to help make spectrum available for new uses (clearance). We may also work with existing users to consider how they can co-exist with new uses by managing any potential interference (co-existence).

Ofcom is currently in the process of clearing the 700MHz band to make it available for mobile data services. Information relating to the current 700MHz clearance programme is provided below.

Previous clearance and co-existence activities relating to the 800MHz band can be found at the National Archives.

Ofcom has a duty to secure the optimal use of the radio spectrum. A key part of achieving this is to release available spectrum to the market, generally by means of an auction.