The amount of spectrum the regulator is proposing to make available may fall short of what operators claim they will need
Enabling opportunities for new uses underpins the proposals: Ofcom has published a consultation that sets out its proposals to make mmWave spectrum available in the 26GHz (24.25–27.5GHz) and 40GHz (40.5–43.5GHz) bands for new uses, including 5G. Though mass market applications for this spectrum are still at an early stage worldwide, the regulator recognises the potential of mmWave to deliver significant boosts to mobile data speeds and capacity, e.g. in airports, train stations and sports stadia. Given its responsibility to ensure the efficient management of spectrum in the UK, Ofcom is eager to promote competition and innovation among providers, and to enable opportunities for a wide range of users and applications. One identified use case is private networks, which could leverage the benefits of mmWave spectrum to meet enterprise connectivity needs in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
Ofcom signals a preference for sub-national spectrum licences: The regulator wants to take a “proactive approach” to mmWave, which it considers will maximise the benefits of this spectrum for consumers and businesses. In high density areas, Ofcom is proposing to revoke fixed link licences in the 26GHz band and to: i) auction town/citywide licences for the upper 2.4GHz of the band; and ii) assign local licences on a first come, first served basis in the lowest 850MHz of the band using the Shared Access licensing framework. It also proposes to assign local licences (on the same terms) for all of the 26GHz band in low density areas, although fixed links will remain in the band. For the 40GHz band, which is “block assigned” and managed by licensees, Ofcom is considering three courses of action, including licence variation and revocation, and a combination of the two.
Industry will want Ofcom to identify more spectrum for mobile: Ofcom states that it is proposing to make a “large amount” of mmWave spectrum available for use by mobile technology, which it understands will be vital to operators being able to meet future mobile data demands. With harmonisation of 26GHz in Europe and a developing device ecosystem, Ofcom’s consultation represents an important step forward if the UK is to keep pace with pioneer mmWave markets such as the US. However, expect operators to become more vocal in their calls for more spectrum to be allocated to mobile, specifically contiguous blocks that allow for higher performance levels. Auction design, which Ofcom is also consulting on, could influence who wins out and the price per MHz that they pay. If the assignment of 26GHz and 40GHz follow the same timeline, Three (as a 40GHz licensee) may be particularly impacted, especially in light of potential competition measures and Ofcom’s current preference to reallocate as much of the higher band as possible.
Source: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/mmwave-spectrum-for-new-uses
