UK Regulator Eyes Frequency-Sharing By Devices

Changes are proposed in the UK that would allow frequency-sharing by certain devices.

In the UK, the regulator Ofcom has proposed changes in radio-spectrum that would make it Europe’s first country to implement the sharing of the same frequencies between two different technologies. The proposal looks specifically at the upper portion of the 6 GHz band, where priority usage would be given in one portion to Wi-Fi devices, such as routers and another to mobile devices, such as cell masts.

Ofcom said the move to this so-called prioritised spectrum would most directly benefit businesses, households and the UK economy in general.  The change would affect indoor and lower-power Wi-Fi, and any higher-power Wi-Fi under the control of an Automated Frequency Control system, as protection against interference.

The regulator will be accepting comments on the proposal no later than 20 March 2026