Ofcom outlines 3.6 and 26 GHz plans

The UK’s spectrum regulator, Ofcom, has confirmed its intention to expand spectrum access for mobile services in the 3.6 to 3.8 GHz band.

This range of spectrum has been identified by both the UK and EU as the primary band for 5G.

A consultation document sets out Ofcom’s proposed approach to existing users of the band.

“Our proposal is to remove current authorisations for fixed links and no longer take registered satellite earth stations with a receive component in the 3.6GHz to 3.8GHz band into account for frequency management purposes, after an appropriate period of notice,” the regulator said in a statement posted on its website.

“The effect of our proposed approach would be to enable future mobile services in the 3.6GHz to 3.8GHz band to be deployed in many areas from around 2020, but not necessarily nationwide before 2022.”

The regular has said it will publish a further statement “in due course”, setting out its decision and providing an update on how it expects to make the band available for mobile services.

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by 22 September 2017.

Ofcom has also issued a call for inputs (CFI) to seek information from stakeholders that will inform its ongoing program of work to make spectrum in the 26 GHz band available for 5G wireless networks.

According to Ofcom, the 26 GHz band covers the 3.25 GHz of spectrum between 24.25 and 27.5 GHz and is “being prioritised across Europe as the first high frequency band for 5G”.

Ofcom has released a consultation document aimed at gathering input from stakeholders on all aspects related to making the 26 GHz band available for 5G.

“We are seeking views from stakeholders who have an interest in deploying networks, from equipment manufacturers planning to build chip sets and network equipment and we also welcome views more generally on authorisation options stakeholders consider best meet their deployment needs and service offering,” the regulator said in a statement.

Ofcom has also confirmed its intention to begin work on making available spectrum in the 66–71 GHz band.

Image courtesy NIST.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook