Ofcom has confirmed its approach to expanding spectrum access for mobile services in the 3.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz band.

This band has been identified by the UK and EU as the primary band for the rollout of 5G services, due to the large amount of spectrum available and its propagation characteristics.

At present, the band is used by point to point fixed links, for a range of applications, and also provides satellite services for space to Earth reception. UK Broadband provides wireless broadband services using part of the band.

Ofcom is today starting the formal process to propose to remove current authorisations for fixed links and vary licences and grants of recognised spectrum access for satellite earth stations, to remove any receive frequencies in the band, following appropriate notice periods.

The effect of this approach would be to enable future mobile services in the 3.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz band to be deployed in many areas from around 2020, but not necessarily nationwide before 2022.

We will now write to affected licensees and grant-holders setting out these proposals. They will have a further opportunity to make representations before final decisions are taken on individual licences and grants

More Information - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/future-use-at-3.6-3.8-ghz