Ofcom May Change How Spectrum is Allocated for UK Wireless Broadband Networks

The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today begun a discussion that could result in a change to how radio spectrum for the next generation of wireless broadband networks is allocated, which in the future may place greater emphasis on spectrum sharing (we’ve already seen a lot of this via private and local 5G networks etc.) and flexible access.

Today the majority of people in the UK connect their wireless devices using Wi-Fi and / or the national mobile networks (4G and 5G). The availability and quality of these networks has improved dramatically since the days of 3G mobile and first-generation Wi-Fi became widely available.

The regulator is now considering the future introduction of new versions of Wi-Fi (beyond Wi-Fi 7) and 6G mobile, as well as a range of new wireless technologies and deployment models, such as connectivity from the sky and space (non-terrestrial networks or NTNs). Significant improvements in availability, reliability, performance and choice are expected from these.

Ofcom refers to all of these future networks as Next Generation Wireless Broadband (NGWB) technologies, but the regulator feels that managing them might require a change in approach.

Ofcom’s Statement

We expect the diversity of NGWB network options, uncertainty in how and where they will be used, and the need to continue to support the benefits of incumbent spectrum uses, will require an approach to managing spectrum in which there is a greater emphasis on sharing of spectrum and more flexible access. This approach is consistent with our 2021 Spectrum Management Strategy.

This approach to spectrum management may require changes along the whole spectrum ‘pipeline’ – from technical studies and allocations made at the ITU, through to equipment standards that incorporate flexible access and sharing ‘by design’ and thereby enabling more options for domestic spectrum authorisations.

To achieve the full benefits of NGWB we will need to work closely with spectrum regulators and industry from around the world to ensure the international spectrum management framework remains fit for purpose and reflects the changes in both the demand and supply of NGWB.

We should point out that NGWB will not be limited to communications. Radio based sensors are likely to play an increasing role in the operation of wireless networks and offer new functionality for applications that run over them – such as positioning and sensing for autonomous robots and data collection for digital twin applications.

Such capabilities maybe particularly valuable when deployed within local networks in industrial sites such as factories and warehouses. With advances in signal processing and antenna design, combined sensing and communications technologies could become a future feature of NGWB networks.

However, it’s still early days and demand remains uncertain, but it’s good to see that the regulator is taking a proactive stance in considering whether a different approach may be required. At present Ofcom are not proposing anything specific and it’s likely to be a few years before something finalised emerges.