UK opens up spectrum for shared use

UK spectrum regulator Ofcom has announced changes that will make it easier for small-scale users to set up wireless services using spectrum currently denied to them.

“To help promote wireless innovation across the UK economy, we have today decided to open up airwaves that previously could only be used by certain parties. We’re also allowing different groups to access airwaves licensed to mobile companies, but not being used by them,” Ofcom said in a statement released 25 July.

The regulator suggested that start-ups, small businesses, farmers and factories would be among the sectors most likely to benefit from the changes.

Safeguards will be put in place to ensure that new users do not cause interference to extant users.

The bands to be ‘freed up’ are:

• the 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz shared spectrum bands, which currently are used for mobile services;
• the 3.8–4.2 GHz band, which supports the latest 5G mobile technology; and
• the 26 GHz band, which could be one of the main bands for 5G in the future.
   

“Wireless spectrum is a valuable, finite resource, so it’s vital we use it efficiently,” said Philip Marnick, Spectrum Group Director at Ofcom.

“Our new sharing approach will help more people access airwaves to create local networks around the UK. The benefits of this innovation could extend across our economy, from farms to factories, as well as supporting new technology firms.”

Under the new system, villages, small business groups and other users can apply to access spectrum which is licensed to telcos but not currently used by them locally. Thus, local communities could invest in their own dedicated local mobile or wireless broadband networks to improve coverage in their areas.

Ofcom said this will particularly benefit small rural communities, which are not yet served by the UK’s national mobile networks.

The regulator says examples of new use cases include:

• connected factories that use high-speed wireless networks to connect, control and monitor machinery;
• local networks serving large farms, for monitoring livestock, crops, irrigation systems and smart vehicles;
• bespoke, secure communications networks for business parks;
• local mobile broadband networks for use by visitors of holiday parks;
• shopping centres, transport hubs and the logistics industry.
   

Image credit: ©Gstudio Group/Dollar Photo Club

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