Spectrum awards
Ofcom is responsible for making sure spectrum is allocated in the best possible way.
When we believe there is competitive demand for spectrum, we usually award it through an auction. That way it's up to the market to decide the best allocation.
Here you can find information about the awards in progress, awards likely to happen in the future and awards that have taken place.
There are no awards in progress at the moment.
On 9 May 2022, we published a consultation proposing to make millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum available in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands for use of mobile technology, including 5G.
| 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| 790 - 862 MHz | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) | 2009 |
| 2500-2690 MHz (with 2010 -2025 MHz) | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award).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| Digital Dividend Review | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) | 2008 |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 |