UK SPF Cluster 1 Event Round-up: Future demand for unlicensed spectrum
The UK SPF Cluster 1 hosted this week the workshop on Future demand for unlicensed spectrum.
The workshop started with initial remarks from Saul Friedner, LS telcom and UK SPF Cluster 1 Chair. The Chair outlined the topic noting that, what is called unlicensed spectrum is in fact the use of equipment that does not require a license to access specific frequency bands.
Opportunities and applications to license exempt authorisation
The round of presentations began with a perspective on radar systems. The development of micro-radar technology is essential for the deployment of unmanned devices, such as drones. The applications departing from low SWaP terminals are several, ranging from maritime, rail track, military, and power line inspection. By 2030, these flying devices will have a significant economic importance to the UK.
On the spectrum side, it was debated the need for more cooperation between the CAA and Ofcom. Investment in product development depends on the allocation of spectrum. Comparing the EU CEPT framework with the US regulatory structure, examples from short, medium, and long-range license exempt gigabit mmWave products, such as the railway use case, highlight the importance of unlicensed spectrum for industry development. Using as a measurement the use of licensed or licence exempt spectrum, the debate brought to light the numbers correlated to the use of 5G-NR base stations against the use of mmWave Mesh, which delivers a superior capacity to the former.
From an end-user standpoint, the activities listed below will demand a combination of speed, low-latency and reduced two-way congestion to function properly. This bundle of characteristics is delivered by a Mesh network with high-density, gigabit class performance, and tri-band support.
- Gaming
- Teleconferences
- Charging stations for electric vehicles
- Wireless XR devices
- Video streaming
- Security
Running different deployment simulation scenarios, research on the matter accounted for varying settings and the coverage requirement. The conclusion is that in dense deployment scenarios Wi-Fi is becoming the bottleneck/limiting factor that the industry needs to address.
From a standards perspective, worldwide technology applications requiring the use of licence exempt spectrum include telephony, audio, smart home and industrial IoT. The growing importance of wireless technology will support the development of IoT, PMSE, and vertical market applications. This growth will result in a demand for more spectrum, which if imposed a need to license might create a burden to the development of a mass market.
Challenges to market and investment
The use of licence exempt spectrum is supported by the easy access by companies, driving investment towards new products and solutions. The bet is that commercial development will attract innovation and sharing spectrum between different technologies could create efficiency gains from the use of available bandwidth.
Regarding the potential increase in spectrum demand, it was agreed by all speakers that interference is the key challenge. During the panel session, some key remarks reflected on the role of cooperation between providers within a band. As such, demand could be fulfilled by greater access to allocated spectrum, instead of opening more spectrum. However, new technologies already require access to more spectrum.
Touching on the success of the regulatory framework for unlicensed spectrum, applications have surged beyond the scope of regulations. As use cases increase backed by more flexible regulatory rules, it requires more conversation between regulators and the industry to adjust the framework. For instance, the 6GHz rules and related discussions taking place in the UK and internationally.
A final question that set the scene for a broader debate on the topic referred to the increased capacity through more spectrum or by reduction of density. In all, the general position is that mmWaves could offer a solution to the supply of spectrum for Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, this is the type of question that needs to be investigated by regulators in a way which facilitates innovation in this field.
If you have any questions, please contact our team.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant, supporting the Communications Infrastructure programme, as well as the Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Policy Fora.
