UK SPF March Plenary 2026 Event Round-up
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum (SPF) Plenary held on Thursday 19 March brought together a wide range of perspectives on the future of spectrum policy, shaped by global developments, European regulatory change, and emerging technologies. The discussion reflected a sector grappling with increasing complexity, where innovation must be balanced with security, resilience, and practical delivery on the ground.
A central theme throughout the plenary was trust. This extended beyond cybersecurity to include resilience, governance, and confidence in how increasingly complex systems are managed. Against that backdrop, spectrum policy was recognised as a tangible expression of sovereignty, although participants noted that ambitions in this area must contend with real-world constraints such as cost, planning challenges, and access to suitable sites.
Technology transformation in a complex ecosystem
Artificial intelligence was another key topic, but discussions highlighted a more nuanced perspective than the common narrative of ever-increasing demand. While AI is expected to drive greater connectivity needs, much of its processing currently takes place in data centres rather than across access networks. As a result, the relationship between AI growth and spectrum demand is not straightforward. Instead, AI may have its most significant impact in improving how spectrum is managed, enabling more intelligent licensing, monitoring, and interference prediction, and supporting more efficient use of existing resources.
The plenary also emphasised the shift towards a “multi-everything” communications environment. Increasing convergence between mobile, Wi-Fi, satellite, and fixed networks is creating a more integrated but also more complex ecosystem. This evolution is driving innovation while simultaneously requiring new approaches to access, collaboration, and infrastructure sharing. Ensuring that different technologies and network types can operate seamlessly together is becoming a central challenge for both industry and policymakers.
Discussions on interoperability and standardisation highlighted the importance of aligning systems across different domains and geographies, particularly in defence and public safety contexts. Progress is being made towards common standards and future generations of technology, but harmonising spectrum access across countries with differing national approaches remains a significant challenge. Integrating legacy systems with newer technologies, including non-terrestrial networks, is essential to achieving secure and seamless communications in increasingly complex operational environments.
Policy direction in Europe on the road to 6G
European policy developments were another major focus, with clear implications for the UK despite its position outside the European Union. Proposals around longer-duration spectrum licences, harmonised pricing approaches, and increased spectrum sharing point towards a more coordinated regional framework. These developments raise important questions about the balance between national autonomy and alignment, particularly given the cross-border nature of wireless systems and the influence of European market dynamics on the UK.
Looking further ahead, early discussions on 6G highlighted the need to build on existing spectrum bands while expanding sharing mechanisms to meet growing demand. There was a strong emphasis on ensuring interoperability across technologies and supporting the development of equipment and devices capable of operating in future bands. At the same time, the need to protect existing users and services remains a critical consideration, requiring careful technical and regulatory planning.
Across the forum, there was a clear focus on strengthening the evidence base for policymaking and fostering collaboration across the ecosystem. Ongoing work includes research into future spectrum demand, exploration of satellite and emerging communication use cases, and analysis of market mechanisms and spectrum economics. Particular attention is being given to the needs of critical communications, including public safety and utilities, reflecting their growing importance in the wider digital landscape.
The plenary concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of timely decision-making, openness, and international collaboration. As the communications landscape continues to evolve, the UK’s ability to build trust, support innovation, and remain aligned with global developments will be key to its future role in spectrum policy.
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Contact us
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.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
