UK SPF Event Round-Up: Cluster 3-led SAL Forum
The UK SPF Cluster 3 hosted the Shared Access Licence (SAL) Forum, which is a neutral stakeholder information hub to promote the economic and social value of shared licences applications.
- Government and Ofcom aim to maximize spectrum availability and access through collaboration with the spectrum-using community, emphasizing the importance of spectrum sharing.
- Ofcom's role in regulation and licensing is crucial for achieving spectrum maximization objectives, with a focus on reviewing regulatory measures.
- The UK, while playing a pioneering role in spectrum sharing, can learn from other countries.
- Industry perspectives on spectrum sharing vary, with enthusiasm for certain proposals such as standardized databases, inter-regulator partnerships, and sponsoring R&D for better sharing.
The policy and regulatory perspectives
Government and Ofcom want to maximize availability and access to spectrum. A year ago, the Spectrum Statement outlined a few key themes around spectrum sharing, particularly to maximise the availability of and access to spectrum due to increased and competing demand. This is a task for government, regulators, and the spectrum-using community who must work together.
Ofcom is a key asset to these objectives through regulation and licensing. Spectrum sharing is of significant importance to Government and it will be of increasingly important to a range of applications and verticals. Collaborative work between Government and Ofcom to review regulatory measures, such as Access Licence Fees, is necessary to keep spectrum maximization opportunities up to date.
The UK has played a pioneering role in spectrum sharing matters but can also learn from other countries, e.g. the scaling up of private networks in the US. With that in mind, one of the key takeaways from MWC was the relevance of TN-NTN integration. Despite it not being a new technology, its future development is innovative and will rely on participation of public organisations.
From a regulatory perspective, engagement from spectrum users through consultations has consistently aligned with Ofcom’s proposals. There is a need for more feedback on technical components to support understanding around operating requirements from a spectrum perspective, as well as more input on the real-world impact from the use of lower frequencies by verticals. Overall, there is a steer to build on the approach provided by Ofcom.
The market perspective on shared access
Spectrum users have seen a lot of discussion of spectrum sharing, with Ofcom consultation and DSIT’s Spectrum Sandbox announcement. Industry has been receiving with some enthusiasm the debates for additional antenna parameters, removal of mobile terminal record keeping for indoor base stations, and relaxation of coordination parameters. On the other hand, there has been less enthusiasm for using pricing to address spectrum shortages, using bandwidth power levels or urban/rural to set license price, or the impact of Ofcom proposals for 3.8-4.2 on future deployment plans.
It is noteworthy that the use case specificity hampers innovation and opportunities and that the number of licenses is well-matched to the equipment and the general state of the ecosystem. Also floated by speakers is the possibility of building public network across private networks.
Shared access spectrum is the best platform for shared networks (which are themselves desirable). Most successful applications need economies of scale and therefore a market over a very large number of users and enough certainty they can provide services. The 3.8-4.2 GHz frequency bands were previously struggling due to limited number of compatible devices. Challenges are also seen around the Upper 6GHz in terms of sharing, which may reduce uncertainty over time or result in a dedicated, non-shared band to meet market needs.
Recommendations for sharing spectrum
- Develop a standardised database
- Regulators working in partnership with each other
- Sponsoring R&D into better sharing alternatives
During the Q&A session, various topics related to spectrum management were discussed. It was highlighted the potential for economies of scale in globally accepted bands, emphasizing the importance of future certainty to drive demand.
Suggestions for automated spectrum management mechanisms included focusing on economic, technical, and user efficiency, as well as reducing the distance between independent systems. The potential for shared spectrum to attract investment into underserved areas was noted, and interest was expressed in learning more about drone corridor management, particularly concerning interference with airborne incumbents.
Slides
If you have any questions or comments, contact the team below.
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.