Lodestar Networks calls on Ofcom to help fix UK community mobile networks

Communications provider Lodestar Networks, which specialises in building local community 4G mobile (calls and broadband) networks using shared UK radio spectrum, has called on the regulator to improve the current licensing framework so that networks like theirs don’t have to find it so “difficult … to grow beyond isolated indoor sites or short-lived trials“.

At present Lodestar has already deployed (trials) a number of small community mobile networks in parts of Nuneaton, Kings Norton, Burntwood and Great Gransden across different parts of England. The operator also has plans to expand into several more locations, but they argue that Ofcom’s current approach to share spectrum licensing makes it difficult for them to grow beyond limited trials.

The operator states that Ofcom’s standard low-power 2.3GHz (LTE Band 40) Shared Access product costs £80 a year for 10MHz of spectrum frequency or £160 a year for 20MHz in each licensed area. Each area has a radius of 50 metres and the standard product is currently limited to indoor use. “One hundred geographically separate 20MHz areas would therefore cost £16,000 every year before equipment, installation, power, backhaul, core-network operation or customer support,” said Loadstar.

A separate Local Access licence costs £950 and normally lasts for three years. It cannot be renewed. Continued operation requires a new application, with Lodestar warning of how there is no guarantee that another licence can be granted if the incumbent spectrum holder’s circumstances have changed.

Blake Williams, Founder and Director of Lodestar Networks, told ISPreview:

“Community networks do not need a spectrum free-for-all; they need a fair route from proving that a cell works to keeping a useful service running.

Ofcom can retain technical coordination, power limits and strong interference protections while making repeated fees proportionate, enabling carefully controlled outdoor use and giving investment enough certainty to last. A successful trial should be the start of a network, not the end of one.”

The comment follows Ofcom’s launch of a new Call for Input (CFI) in July 2026 (here), which requested views from the industry on how their licensing framework could be improved to better support the innovative use of radio spectrum. Lodestar has detailed its submission to this on their website (here), which broadly makes five key requests to the telecoms regulator.

Lodestar’s Five Recommendations

➤ Prioritise Band 40. Create a coordinated, long-term outdoor route for 2320 to 2340 MHz, followed by a controlled pathway for 2390 to 2400 MHz once the necessary coexistence safeguards have been validated.

➤ Make fees scale fairly. Replace repeated full site-by-site charges with one common project assessment, low marginal charges for additional standard sites and an overall fee cap for qualifying community or public-benefit networks.

➤ Let realistic trials become services. Allow commercial trials involving paying customers, reuse completed technical work and provide a bridging route into operational authorisation.

➤ Provide security of tenure. Give fixed infrastructure at least five years of assured access, with longer or rolling terms and clear notice for operational networks.

➤ Gather field evidence. If more evidence is needed, authorise a 12-month pilot of up to 100 coordinated outdoor community cells, waive or reimburse the licence fees and publish the cost, coverage, capacity and interference outcomes.

Lodestar points out that their proposal is limited and does not seek unlicensed or uncoordinated transmission, automatic approval for every site, access to the whole of LTE Band 40 or weaker protection for existing spectrum users. Under their approach, Ofcom would still retain the power to set technical conditions and require a site to reduce power, retune or stop transmitting where necessary.

The major mobile operators, which control much of the relevant spectrum, may take a different view of such requests. Ofcom’s consultation is due to close for new submissions on 30th September 2026 and the regulator will then table any proposals they have in early 2027.