UK telecom regulator Ofcom has announced a number of decisions in relation to the 700 MHz refarming programme, which aims to clear the spectrum between 694 and 790 MHz from its current usage and make it available for mobile data services. One of the main decisions concerns the timing of the programme. Ofcom states that it will accelerate its completion by eighteen months, targeting the spectrum release in Q2 2020. The regulator has also ruled that 20 MHz of spectrum in the part of the 700 MHz band known as the 'centre gap' should be allocated to mobile downlink services.
The announcement follows the consultation period between March and May when Ofcom sought input on the 700 MHz spectrum clearance, which affects digital terrestrial television (DTT) services and wireless microphones (also referred to as ‘audio PMSE devices’). With regard to the latter, Ofcom has announced that it is serving notice on PMSE users that operate in the 700 MHz band, stating that from 01 May 2020 they will no longer have access to spectrum in this band.
Linked to the ruling on the ‘centre gap’, Ofcom also announced the decision that some temporary DTT services, known as 'interim multiplexes', will continue operating in this part of the spectrum until at least 01 May 2020, or until mobile downlink services are deployed.
Source: http://www.telecompaper.com/news/ofcom-to-release-700-mhz-band-for-mobile-data-in-q2-2020--1167430