UK SPF Cluster 3 workshop round up: SAL Forum 2026
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum’s Cluster 3 recently hosted a session of the Shared Access Licence (SAL) Forum, bringing together stakeholders from Ofcom, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and industry partners. The presentations highlighted progress in enabling innovation and new technologies through spectrum sharing, while also outlining key challenges in licensing, automation, and large-scale deployment.
SAL Update
The meeting started with an overview of the UK’s overarching spectrum policy, focusing on the role of spectrum in driving economic growth, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI. A central theme is the push toward greater spectrum sharing and more efficient use of existing resources, making spectrum available for emerging technologies including 5G, 6G, and non-terrestrial networks, while also adopting modern management approaches such as automation and data-driven decision-making.
Considering these ambitions, the shared access framework remains a key mechanism, particularly in mid-band spectrum, with expectations that it should evolve to support more flexible and proportionate access. Automation of licensing processes is seen as critical to reducing delays and unlocking new use cases.
Recent updates highlight continued growth in shared access licensing, with increasing demand driven largely by campus-style and large-scale deployments. Improvements have been made to spectrum availability, alongside the introduction of new licensing products designed for faster, short-term access in specific bands. Technical enhancements, such as standardised antenna tools, are helping to improve coordination efficiency and enable denser network deployments. Despite these advances, the system is still transitioning from largely manual processes toward a more automated and scalable model.
Views from industry users
Industry feedback emphasises that while demand for shared spectrum is rising, and the current framework has greatly facilitated deployment, a few critical barriers remain. Key challenges include the complexity of licensing processes, particularly for large, multi-site deployments, and a lack of clarity and certainty around approval timelines. There is strong demand for improvements such as bulk application processing, clearer guidance, and more responsive support structures.
A range of use cases illustrates the growing importance of shared spectrum, including private 5G networks for campuses and events, enhanced coverage for utilities and emergency services, and connectivity solutions for rural and agricultural sectors. These diverse applications highlight the need for more flexible, responsive, and scalable access models that can accommodate different operational requirements, from rapid deployment to long-term infrastructure investment.
Participants identified broader structural barriers, including administrative overhead, limited automation, and investment uncertainty, where lack of guaranteed access discourages investment, and lack of investment slows ecosystem growth. To address this, several potential solutions were discussed, including increased automation, dynamic spectrum access, and mechanisms to provide greater assurance to applicants during the planning phase. Alternative licensing approaches, such as pre-paid or flexible “use-it-or-lose-it” models, were also proposed to enable faster access, particularly for time-sensitive or critical applications.
International comparisons suggest that flexible frameworks can drive significantly higher adoption. Other markets demonstrate the benefits of streamlined processes, greater industry participation, and reduced barriers to entry. At the same time, there is evidence of increasing alignment across regions, with shared spectrum approaches gaining traction more broadly. Overall, while progress is being made, further evolution of policy, processes, and technology will be essential to fully realise the potential of shared spectrum and support future innovation and growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shared spectrum policy is moving in the right direction, with clear government support for innovation, flexibility, and more efficient use of spectrum. However, while demand is growing across a range of sectors, progress is constrained by approval timelines and commercial uncertainty in licensing.
Addressing these challenges through greater automation, clearer procedures, and more flexible access models will be essential to unlock investment and ensure the spectrum ecosystem can support future technologies and economic growth.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Telecoms Programme, the Data Centres Programme, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
