UK SPF Initiates Work to Explore Vertical Use-Cases in the 3.8-4.2 GHz Band
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum (SPF) is pleased to announce the commissioning of a new research project aimed at exploring the vertical use-case requirements in the 3.8-4.2 GHz band. This study will play a crucial role in addressing the increasing interest and demand for spectrum for vertical applications in the UK and globally.
The SPF has appointed Analysys Mason to conduct this research, who will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by the 3.8-4.2 GHz band for 5G-enabled applications and other use cases.
The study aims to accelerate innovation and explore potential improvements to the UK framework to better serve the industry's needs and encourage wider adoption, with results set to be revealed at the Plenary October Meeting.
Background & Scope
In response to the growing demand for spectrum resources to cater to specific vertical industries, the European Commission issued a mandate to the CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations) in December 2021. The mandate called for an assessment of shared use of the 3.8-4.2 GHz band to facilitate the deployment of 5G solutions for specialised industry requirements.
In the UK, Ofcom has been actively addressing this need through the implementation of the shared access licences framework, which includes opening the 3.8-4.2 GHz band. As a result, more than 1,500 licenses have been issued across the 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 3.8-4.2 GHz bands.
The scope of the research study commissioned by the SPF is multifaceted. It will examine the specific requirements of vertical use-cases within the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, as well exploring potential improvements to the UK framework to better serve the industry's needs and encourage wider adoption.
The outcomes of this research project are anticipated to provide valuable insights for ongoing discussions in CEPT regarding the connectivity needs of vertical applications. Moreover, the findings could lead to improvement recommendations for the UK's shared access framework.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves 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.
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Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Jaynesh has extensive experience in the sector, having worked for CityFibre (a full fibre broadband company) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on digital infrastructure policy. Most recently Jaynesh led on policy and public affairs in the UK and Ireland for ChargePoint (an EV charging network).
Prior to this Jaynesh worked in the Cabinet Office for more than five years, including over two years at the Government Digital Service (GDS) supporting the digital transformation of UK Government.
Jaynesh has a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).
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- [email protected]
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayneshpatel/
Tales Gaspar
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
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- [email protected]
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- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
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- www.techUK.org
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