Ofcom has today set out further detail on how
and when it will make millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum
across the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands available for new mobile
technology, including 5G services.
mmWave spectrum could deliver significant benefits to people and
businesses in the UK. As well as improving mobile services –
particularly in areas of high user density such as train
stations, football stadiums and concerts - it could also support
innovative wireless applications requiring large amounts of data,
very high speeds, or both.
Early indications suggest this could include applications such as
virtual reality, factory automation, and intelligent transport
systems such as driverless cars.
Decision on authorising mmWave spectrum
use
In 68 major towns and cities across the UK, we will award
15-year, fixed term citywide licences to use mmWave spectrum by
auction. We will also assign more localised licences within these
cities - and elsewhere in the UK where we expect deployments to
be sparser - on a first come, first served basis, using our
Shared Access licensing framework.
To avoid the risk of an inefficient allocation of spectrum, we
have decided to hold the auction after the CMA’s decision on the
proposed merger between H3G and Vodafone. We plan to make Shared
Access licences available in the 26 GHz band early next
year.
Later this year, we will publish a statement and further
consultation on the design of the auction.
Full details on our decisions regarding the licence conditions
for mmWave licences and on how we will coordinate users of this
spectrum are available in our statement.
