Spectrum Policy Forum calls on Ofcom to improve access to UK mobile spectrum

A new report from the cross-sector UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UKSPF), which was conducted in collaboration with consultancy firm Coleago Consulting, has warned that only 22% of farmers get a reliable mobile signal (2G, 4G or 5G) across their whole farm. But the report argues that the fix for this isn’t more spectrum, it’s better access to the spectrum we already have.

The report – ‘Future Spectrum User Demand in the UK‘ – looks at three uses that it claims “standard forecasts miss” because they barely move any data (mobile broadband), yet still fail badly when the signal drops: sensors on farms, drones in the air, and drones that restore mobile coverage for emergency teams.

According to the study, demand can no longer be judged by data traffic alone. A rural sensor may send just a few bytes at a time, and a drone’s control link needs little bandwidth. Both still depend on coverage, availability, latency, resilience and security, and a failed connection can have consequences far out of proportion to the data involved.

Pressure on this area is expected to be most acute below the 10GHz band. For example, the 400MHz to 1GHz range is already heavily contested, and the 3 to 6GHz range is growing in importance. “This makes intensive spectrum sharing a defining feature of the future landscape,” said the report.

Tales Gaspar, Senior Programme Manager of Spectrum and Satellite at UKSPF, said:

“Farms, drones and emergency teams often need very little data, but they need a signal they can rely on, where and when it counts. This report shows that most of the spectrum and technology to deliver that already exists, the task now is building the evidence, opening up more flexible access and starting trials, so that access rules keep pace with demand.”

The study does not conclude that emerging applications will require wholesale new spectrum allocations. In many cases it suggests the necessary frequencies, technologies and networks already exist. The more important issue is whether users can obtain appropriate access with the required coverage, reliability and protection and on terms that reflect the nature and value of the application. Easier said than done, of course.

The report concludes by setting out what Ofcom and Government can do now so access rules keep pace with demand.

Key Recommendations

• Assess the demand and potential benefits of a future shared access product below 1 GHz.

Rural monitoring, agritech and Distributed Energy Resource applications need wide area coverage but generally generate relatively little traffic. Extending the Shared Access framework below 1 GHz would provide local licensed access to frequencies whose propagation characteristics are much better suited to these applications1.

• Review licence exempt arrangements below 1 GHz.

The permitted transmit power in the lower licence exempt block should be reviewed and consideration given to providing a network sub band. This could materially improve rural coverage for monitoring and control without requiring significant additional spectrum.

• Measure machine demand differently.

Future demand from sensors and connected assets should be assessed by device numbers, reporting frequency and peak concurrent connections as well as data traffic. Without these measures a potentially significant source of future spectrum demand will remain largely invisible in conventional statistics.

• Extend the measurement of mobile coverage to aerial users.

Growing use of drones for inspection, logistics, environmental monitoring and public safety will create a requirement for reliable connectivity at altitude. Ground level coverage cannot be assumed to provide equivalent aerial coverage and network availability and performance should increasingly be assessed with aerial users in mind.

• Support Ofcom’s proposed provision for drone communications while planning for a longer term solution.

The proposed access at 453 to 462.5 MHz and 5040 to 5060 MHz addresses an important emerging requirement, particularly for remote and rural operations. As the sector develops, suitable provision should be placed on a more permanent footing and aligned with international arrangements where possible.

• Review airborne use of low band licence exempt spectrum.

Elevation materially changes the interference footprint of a transmitter. Existing power limits and access conditions have largely been designed around terrestrial use and should be reassessed as the number of airborne devices increases.

• Create a standing authorisation for temporary aerial network extension.

The technology and spectrum needed to provide emergency coverage from a drone largely exist already. The principal barrier is the ability to use existing licensed spectrum lawfully and at very short notice from an aerial platform. Accredited operators should be able to activate temporary coverage under arrangements agreed in advance rather than seeking regulatory approval during an incident.

• Build on existing infrastructure sharing precedents.

The arrangements used to share Emergency Services Network infrastructure with mobile operators under the Shared Rural Network provide a useful precedent. A similar national framework could support temporary aerial coverage, with technical, operational and regulatory safeguards agreed before an emergency occurs.