The UK regulator Ofcom - responsible for managing the UK’s radio spectrum - has published three new spectrum consultations: a review of its shared licence scheme, a further consultation on mmWave spectrum and a consultation on the future use of 2100 MHz frequencies.
Have your say! If you’re interest in contributing to techUK’s response to any of these consultation, please contact Manuel R. Marti ([email protected]) or Sophie James ([email protected])
Evolution of the shared access licence framework – deadline 16 May
Ofcom is seeking views on the future of the shared access licence scheme. The scope of the Call for Inputs is broad as it considers the evolving technology developments user demand and how these will shape the future of these licences.
The framework was first introduced in 2019 and it enabled shared spectrum access in 1800 MHz; 2300 MHz, 3.8-4.2 GHz and lower 26 GHz band, in attempt to promote innovation by providing localised access to spectrum under a simple, low-cost framework.
As of today, Ofcom has issued over 1600 licences across all four bands. It now wants to find out about users’ experiences of the Shared Access Licence framework, consider evolving user demands and review how its approach can continue to meet the needs of current licensees as well as future users.
Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses – deadline 22 May
Ofcom has decided to make over 6 GHz mmWave frequencies across 26 GHz & 40 GHz band for mobile technology, including 5G.
Under the proposed approach, Ofcom will introduce a licensing regime consisting of a combination of citywide and local licences available. Ofcom is now consulting on proposals for the design of the auction for citywide licences, the licence conditions for citywide and local mmWave licences, and how it will coordinate users of this spectrum.
Exploring future use of the unpaired 2100 MHz spectrum – deadline 25 May
Ofcom has opened a consultation on the possible future use of unpaired 2100 MHz band.
The 1900—1920 MHz range is a small portion of the wider 2.1 GHz licences initially assigned to mobile operators (EE, Three and VMO2) in 2000 for 3G services.
Ofcom says they are not using this unpaired portion of spectrum and EE's intentions for potential use of its 4G licence for the ESN Gateway 'may not be optimal because there may be other higher value users of the spectrum'. Therefore, it is currently exploring how to maximise the use of these frequencies.
Ofcom's provisional view is that there is potential for the spectrum to be used by emergency services, railways and /or the utilities sector.
Sophie James
Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Sophie James
Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Sophie James is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
Manuel joined techUK in February 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for the UK Spectrum Policy Forum and Satellite.
A journalist by training, he has written extensively about spectrum since 2018 for PolicyTracker. Manuel has a MSc in International Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. In his spare time he is currently trying to set up a supperclub.
Programme Assistant, Central Government, Digital Connectivity Forum, Comms Infrastructure, UK SPF, techUK
Julia Ofori-Addo
Programme Assistant, Central Government, Digital Connectivity Forum, Comms Infrastructure, UK SPF, techUK
Julia Ofori-Addo supports the Digital Connectivity Forum and a range of techUK Market Programmes such as; Central Government, Communications Infrastructure and Services and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum with the secretariat and event support, research and communication.
Julia is a bilingual – German and English native. Prior to joining techUK, Julia worked as an IT Team Administrator at Interxion Ltd (data center) supporting and coordinating teams with the Incident Management Protocols (IMP), auditing and reporting procedures and processes and assisting senior management with various secretarial/administrative duties. She has exceptional experience in handling and updating in-house database systems and a proven track record of demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
Julia is a graduate at the University of Kent with a BSc in Computer Science and Business Administration. In her personal time, she enjoys current affairs discussions, going to the gym and travelling.
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