British telecoms regulator Ofcom has begun consulting on plans to release more spectrum in the 1.4GHz band. According to the watchdog, with the 1492MHz-1517MHz frequency block having been identified for mobile use, it is now considering how to make it available. Ofcom notes that the adjacent block of spectrum in the 1.5GHz band is currently used to operate emergency communication satellite terminals on ships at and near ports, and aircraft at and above airports. As such, use of the 1492MHz-1517MHz block for mobile services is likely to cause interference to the receivers in these satellite terminals.
As a result, Ofcom is seeking views on a technical analysis it has conducted to estimate the likely extent of such interference, and on its initial views on the measures it could take to mitigate the interference risk. Additionally, it is also seeking stakeholders’ views on the format of a potential auction, as well as the most appropriate lot sizes. With a deadline of 12 January 2024 set for input on the matter, Ofcom says the responses received will help inform the development of any future proposals for how the 1492MHz-1517MHz spectrum should be made available.
In a separate development, Ofcom has said that it expects to see the introduction of 6G technology, a new version of Wi-Fi, and ‘increased connectivity from the sky and space through the deployment of non-terrestrial networks’ by the end of this decade. With an eye to the future, the watchdog has published a discussion paper putting forwards its case for making changes at each stage of the spectrum management pipeline, including the allocations and technical studies agreed at the ITU level. In this area, Ofcom has notably said that, given the potential diversity of next-generation networks, uncertainty in how and where they will be used, and the need to continue to support existing uses, it considers that future spectrum management must place greater emphasis on spectrum sharing and flexible access.