February 2024
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This conference focused on the future for spectrum allocation and licensing in the UK.
Key stakeholders and policymakers examined what will be needed if the collaborative and demand-led approach to spectrum allocation in the UK - as envisaged in the DSIT Spectrum Statement policy paper published in April 2023 - is to be achieved.
With the linked policy ambition of maximising the environmental and social value of spectrum allocation, it was also an opportunity to consider developing its role in supporting better understanding of challenges including climate change, alongside social benefits such as better serving rural communities, and ensuring that benefit is equitably shared.
Delegates considered the way forward for policy and regulatory frameworks for allocation that take account of both public and private sector demands across a range of use cases, and options for encouraging enhanced spectrum provision amid the ongoing Ofcom consultation on supporting increased use of shared spectrum, as well as outcomes from WRC-23.
Further sessions assessed strategies for facilitating growth, including provision of regulatory certainty, supporting investor confidence, and priorities for research and innovation.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Raj Sivalingam, Head of Spectrum Policy, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; David Willis, Group Director, Spectrum, Ofcom; Chris Cheeseman, Principal, Spectrum Policy, BT; Stuart Cooke, Director, Spectrum and Industry Affairs, Samsung; Dr Abhaya Sumanasena, Chairman, UK SPF; and Head of Policy and Regulation, Real Wireless; and Aidan Irwin-Singer, Senior Policy Adviser, National Infrastructure Commission.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- spectrum allocation: collaborative approaches to band allocation - reviewing spectrum sharing frameworks - outcomes from WRC-23 and implications for the wireless communications market
- regulation: availability, allocation and licencing of new bands - regulatory transparency - managing both private and public sector demands as well as national priorities
- economic and social value: facilitating planned expansion of 5G nationwide - release and licensing of new spectrum bands - options for alternative approaches to data sharing and transmission
- environmental role: expanding utilisation of spectrum in the earth and space science sectors - understanding climate change and weather patterns - realising contributions to net zero targets
- innovation priorities: assessing the trajectory for satellite infrastructure and the future of wireless technology - how the UK can attract investment - development of 6G
- international: outcomes from WRC-23 - key partnerships and relationships - coordination of approaches to spectrum allocation and managing data interference
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from ComReg, ROI; DBT; DfE, NI; DfT; DHSC; DSIT; GCHQ; Home Office; ICO; Isle of Man Government; MoD; NCA; NCSC; NIC; Ofcom; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
