2023 – A full and current list of consultations and statements can be found on Ofcom’s website
6th July 2023 – Sharing 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi and mobile
More capacity for Wi-Fi and mobile internet users could be made available in the upper 6 GHz spectrum band, under a new approach being explored by Ofcom.
Demand for data has grown significantly in recent years – from people using both Wi-Fi and mobile networks – and we expect this to continue. This will put pressure on radio spectrum, the valuable and finite resource on which all radiocommunications depend.
The upper 6 GHz spectrum band is currently a focus for industry interest to support this ongoing traffic growth. This interest is split between using the band for the exclusive introduction of either licensed mobile use or low power licence exempt use such as Wi-Fi. However, rather than choosing between the two, Ofcom believe an alternative approach is possible. We are exploring options that would enable the use of both Wi-Fi and mobile in the band. Ofcom are calling this ‘hybrid sharing‘.
Two examples for how this might be achieved are:
Indoor outdoor split. Wi-Fi routers tend to be indoors – carrying broadband traffic within a localised indoor area; whereas mobile transmitters are mostly located outdoors – providing wider area coverage. So, Ofcom are exploring the possibility of enabling the indoor use of Wi-Fi while also enabling licensed mobile use outdoors.
Geographical sharing. Most of the data traffic carried across mobile networks tends to be concentrated in a relatively small proportion of sites. It might be possible to enable licensed mobile use in specific high-traffic locations while allowing Wi-Fi use elsewhere. It might also be possible to prioritise Wi-Fi use in specific areas of high demand while allowing mobile use in other areas.
Ofcom are looking to identify appropriate hybrid sharing mechanisms to facilitate coexistence between licenced mobile and Wi-Fi in this band. Ofcom are also pressing for international harmonisation of hybrid sharing in this band, to enable economies of scale for equipment.
Ofcom are inviting comments on this approach by 15 September 2023.
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2nd February 2023 – Ofcom’s expectations of mobile providers for 2G and 3G switch-off
Ofcom has today set out what it expects from mobile providers when they switch off their 2G and 3G networks.
The switch-off will happen over the next ten years and support the roll-out of 4G and 5G networks, which offer faster and more reliable services for customers. While Ofcom does not have a formal role in the switch-off process, we want to make sure consumers are treated fairly and can continue to access the services they need.
Operators are making their own decisions on the timing and process of their switch-offs.
Vodafone will begin its phased 3G switch off later this month, with EE and Three expected to switch off their 3G networks in 2024.
Most people now have 4G-capable devices and therefore won’t be affected. However, customers using older devices – including mobile handsets, telecare alarms and payment terminals – will need to replace or update them.
Ofcom has set out four key expectations of providers for this process:
Minimising coverage impact: EE, Three and Vodafone have committed to offering an equivalent level of coverage after the 3G and subsequent 2G switch-off, with areas currently reliant on these networks being upgraded to 4G ahead of switch-off. We expect Virgin Media O2 (which has yet to set a date for its 3G switch-off) to make a similar pledge. Customers should not experience a reduction in coverage as a result.
Contractual information: where possible, mobile providers should explain in their contract information and summary when the service being purchased will no longer work because of the switch-off and that the customer will need a 4G-capable handset after that date.
Customer communication and support: where customers need to replace or update their handset, we expect mobile operators to provide a minimum of three to six months’ notice of the steps they need to take, and to communicate clearly using a range of methods to raise awareness. Vulnerable customers will need to be given additional support – this might include offering discounts on replacement handsets.
Other services that rely on mobile networks: the switch-off will also impact a range of other devices such as telecare alarms and payment terminals. These services will need a longer notice period. We expect mobile providers to make every effort to identify these services, helping to raise awareness so that relevant suppliers have sufficient time to update their devices and consumers do not lose access to vital services.
Selina Chadha, Ofcom’s Director of Connectivity, said, “In the next few years, older mobile networks will gradually be switched-off to make way for faster, more reliable services. But some people will need help upgrading their devices during this process. So we’ve told mobile networks what they should do to make sure support is available to those who need it.”
More information can be found on Ofcom’s website.
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9th May 2022 – Ofcom proposals pave way for innovative wireless technologies of the future
Ofcom has today set out proposals to unlock new and innovative wireless technologies for everyday use – as well as making services faster, more reliable, and more secure.
Supporting advances in consumer technology
First, Ofcom are consulting on changes to the rules that apply to Short-Range Devices (SRDs). Typically, these devices are mass-market, portable consumer-tech products and include keyless entry cards, baby monitors and garage door openers. Under proposals, Ofcom intend to increase the amount of spectrum available for SRD uses, including for road safety, low power Wi-Fi, and drones. Ofcom plans also include liberalising the technical conditions for some Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices for keyless car-entry systems. This will enable the use of a special mitigation technology called ‘trigger before transmit’, which, in turn, will make keyless entry systems more secure, and reduce the risk of opportunistic thefts, or ‘relay attacks’, where criminals intercept the key-fob signal.
Enabling innovation and improved mobile services
Ofcom are also today consulting on plans to open the millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum across the 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum bands to mobile technology, including 5G services. mmWave spectrum could deliver significant benefits by enabling large wireless data capacity and speed over short distances. The technology can be used to improve mobile broadband services and deliver innovative new services across the UK. It could be particularly beneficial in locations and venues with a lot of mobile users, such as train stations, football stadiums and concerts, where demands on current networks can mean mobile data speeds can be sluggish. As well as mobile services, mmWave spectrum could, in future, also support innovative wireless applications requiring a large amount of data, very high speeds, or both. Early indications from the mobile industry suggest this could include applications such as virtual reality, factory automation, and intelligent transport systems. We are seeking views on how to make the spectrum available. Ofcom are proposing to revoke fixed links licences in some areas and to make a combination of citywide and local licences available in the 26 GHz band. Ofcom also set out a range of options for the 40 GHz band, including to vary or revoke existing licences.
Ofcom is inviting responses to SRD proposals by 4 July 2022 and mmWave consultation by 18 July 2022.
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31 March 2022 – Spectrum Roadmap: Delivering Ofcom’s Spectrum Management Strategy
The radio spectrum (the invisible waves that enable wireless technology) is a finite resource crucial to delivering a wide range of wireless applications benefiting different users, and Ofcom has the job of ensuring it is used in the best interests of all in the UK. This approach sits at the heart of Ofcom’s mission to make communications work for everyone.
Wireless communication is playing an increasingly significant role across many sectors of the economy, delivering our news, connecting us to friends and family, automating factories, supporting public services and monitoring the natural environment.
Technological developments are enabling new and innovative applications and business models, meaning more people and organisations are making use of wireless technology. In the face of this growing and, in many cases, competing demand for spectrum, Ofcom set out a new Spectrum Management Strategy in July 2021.
In this Spectrum Roadmap Ofcom outline the work we are planning to deliver on this strategy, both through their current projects (as outlined in the Plan of Work 2022/23) and proposed future areas of work.
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24 March 2022 – Consultation: Implementing new rules to help people boost mobile signal indoors
Ofcom is consulting on new regulations that should enable people to buy a wider range of devices that can improve their mobile reception at home.
Indoor mobile repeaters – sometimes referred to as ‘signal boosters’ – are devices typically used in residential properties to amplify a mobile reception.
In November 2021, Ofcom published their decision to extend the range of mobile repeaters that can be self-installed without a licence. Today, Ofcom are consulting on the regulations that would allow them to introduce this change.
Ofcom are proposing to make the regulations technology-neutral, allowing the use of 5G repeaters as well as 2G, 3G and 4G devices, provided they meet certain technical requirements.
This consultation closes on 25 April 2022, and Ofcom plan’s to publish their decision in June 2022.
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2021
N/A
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2020
23 July 2020 – Call for inputs: Emerging technologies and their potential impact on the communications industry
Ofcom has started a technology discovery progamme to better understand the technologies being researched and developed which could affect the sectors we regulate, including broadcast, fixed, mobile and satellite communication networks and online communications sectors, including the content they carry and the devices on which they are consumed.
They are seeking views from people and organisations – in industry, academia and beyond – to identify these technologies and provide a view on their potential impact.
They would encourage responses to this call for inputs as soon as possible, and by 3 September 2020
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7th January 2020 – Ofcom has today set out its planned programme of work for the next financial year.
Their aim is to make communications markets work for everyone. They do this by promoting competition, securing standards and improving quality, and protecting consumers from harm.
Their proposed plan of work for 2020-21 is now open for consultation. They have identified the following areas as particularly important for the next financial year.
Strategic priorities
- Better broadband and mobile – wherever you are: we will support ongoing investment in faster broadband and better mobile coverage across the country.
- Fairness for customers: we will ensure broadband, phone and TV customers, particularly vulnerable people, are treated fairly.
- Supporting UK broadcasting: we will support the UK’s vibrant broadcasting sectors, including public service broadcasting, to deliver continued benefits to all UK audiences.
- Ensuring online communications work for people and businesses: we will work with Government on new and emerging policies protecting consumers from harmful content online, and more generally ensure communications services online work for consumers.
- Enabling strong, secure networks: we will build a centre of excellence for security and resilience, continue to collaborate with industry to ensure networks are protected against outages or cyber-attacks, and lead on initiatives to close gaps in standards and best practice.
Areas of focus
- Sustaining the universal postal service: we will ensure postal users have access to a sustainable and efficient service.
- Continuing to innovate in regulation and data to help consumers and businesses: we will improve our data capabilities to deliver better consumer outcomes and regulation. We will work with stakeholders including other regulators in exploring new regulatory approaches.
- Increasing diversity and inclusion: we will increase diversity and inclusion within Ofcom, while challenging broadcasters to do the same.
- Cultivating our relationships with the EU and beyond in the context of Brexit: we will support consumers and industry through changes in the UK’s international relationships.
Ensuring value for money
We remain committed to achieving value for money. In 2020/21 our provisional budget is £133.6m. This includes a 2% rise to account for inflation and capacity for our responsibilities regarding: regulating the BBC; implementing the broadband universal service obligation; and cybersecurity. We have also requested from Government an increase to our spending cap, to enable us to set up the new regulatory regime for video sharing platforms and implement new telecoms security requirements. We will confirm our budget in the final version of the Plan of Work.
Next steps
We are seeking views on our proposed Annual Plan by 25 February 2020. As part of the consultation process we will hold public events in London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff in early 2020 to hear directly from industry and the general public.
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2019
12th July 2019 – Ofcom consults on new rules for mobile phone repeaters
Ofcom is today proposing changes to the technical requirements for using mobile phone repeaters in vehicles.
In 2018, they made regulations to allow the use of certain types of mobile repeaters, which help improve reception, without the need for a licence.
Ofcom are now consulting on technical amendments to increase the maximum system gain allowed for in-vehicle repeaters, and to widen the range of frequencies they can use. There is no change to the maximum permitted output power. They intend to implement these changes by amending the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Repeater) (Exemption) Regulations 2018 and updating the relevant technical requirements.
Their proposals include updating existing the requirements by:
- increasing the maximum gain limits from 21 dB to 36 dB in relevant frequency bands above 1 GHz;
- increasing the maximum gain limits from 15 dB to 30 dB in relevant frequency bands below 1 GHz; and
- including the 2.6 GHz Frequency-division duplex (FDD) band in the list of licence-exempt frequency bands.
The consultation closes at 5pm on 6 September 2019
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29th March 2019 – Ofcom’s plans to promote competition and investment in fibre networks
As part of Ofcom’s ambitions to see full-fibre broadband available nationwide over the coming years, Ofcom has today set out how regulation could evolve to support competition and further investment from new alternative networks, Openreach and Virgin Media.
Ofcom’s goal is to encourage and enable significant, long-term investment in full-fibre broadband to give customers a choice of networks where feasible, while allowing companies who build these networks to make a fair return.
A brief overview of their plans is available and the consultation closes on 7 June
They intend to consult on their full set of proposals, including market definition, market power and remedies, in December.
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21st February 2019 – Consultation on amending regulations for short range radar equipment
Ofcom has today proposed amendments to the Wireless Telegraphy (Automotive Short Range Radar) (Exemption) Regulations 2013. Current regulations allow vehicles to use certain short range radar (SRR) equipment, such as parking sensors, in the 24 GHz band without the need for a licence. The proposed amendments would ensure the scope of the existing regulations remains the same, in the event the UK leaves the European Union without a withdrawal agreement being in place. We are not proposing any policy changes for use of this equipment. The consultation will close at 5pm on 22 March 2019
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2018
27th July 2018 – Ofcom is today inviting expressions of interest from parties wishing to operate a small-scale DAB multiplex, and from radio stations wishing to broadcast on these in the future.
Small-scale DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is an innovative technology designed to allow local stations to achieve affordable transmission on digital radio. Approximately seventy local radio stations across the UK are currently broadcasting on small-scale DAB as part of an Ofcom trial. The purpose of the trial is to gather information to inform a new, formal framework for licensing small-scale DAB multiplexes, which is currently in development.
In preparation for the new licensing framework, Ofcom is seeking to understand the level of demand among multiplex operators and radio stations to help us plan how best to allocate available airwaves to support future small-scale DAB services.
The Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Act 2017 made provision for the licensing and regulation of small scale radio multiplex services. Specifically, it allowed for the introduction of secondary legislation which would apply certain provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1996 and/or Communications Act 2003, with appropriate modifications, to small scale radio multiplexes. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is now working on this secondary legislation, and earlier this year carried out a consultation on the core elements of a new licensing approach.
In parallel with DCMS’s consultation, and without prejudice to its outcomes, Ofcom is carrying out preparatory work, so we will be in a position to proceed promptly if and when the Government introduces the necessary secondary legislation. This includes looking at frequency planning options. To inform this technical planning work and the subsequent licensing process, Ofcom is now seeking expressions of interest from parties wanting to operate small scale DAB multiplexes and/or who are interested in providing services on these future multiplexes. The closing date for the submission of expressions of interest was 5pm on 21 September 2018
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Consultation: Local TV licensing – provisional decision not to advertise or re-advertise certain local TV licences – Ends 1st June 2018
Ofcom is today seeking views on its provisional decision relating to the further rollout of local TV services – read more here
There are currently 13 locations which were intended to be part of the phased roll-out of local TV, but for various reasons, no licences have been awarded. Ofcom are minded not to advertise or re-advertise local TV licences in these areas or in substitute areas. This would release Comux, the operator of the transmission infrastructure for local TV, from its current obligation to build the transmitter infrastructure to support new services in these particular locations. Ofcom consider that to continue to require the extension of local TV to these areas would be likely to have an adverse impact on the economic sustainability of the sector as a whole. Ofcom invite interested or affected parties to comment on Ofcom’s provisional decision by 1 June 2018.
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Improving mobile coverage – Proposals for coverage obligations in the award of the 700 MHz spectrum band – Ends 4th May 2018
Ofcom has a duty to ensure the wide availability of communications services to citizens and consumers. Current levels of mobile coverage are not meeting consumers’ needs, and our recent Connected Nations 2017 report showed that mobile coverage is particularly poor in rural areas, including in the Nations. The 700 MHz spectrum band is a valuable piece of spectrum, currently used for Digital Terrestrial Television (and for Programme Making and Special Event use) which we are planning to award to mobile services in the second half of 2019. We are currently undertaking a major clearance programme for the band. The technical characteristics of the 700 MHz band make it suitable for improving mobile coverage.
To ensure widespread improvements in mobile coverage across the UK, we are proposing to attach coverage obligations to some of the licences we will award for the 700 MHz band. These obligations will require winning bidders to roll out improved mobile coverage in rural areas and the nations. This consultation seeks views on our proposals for these coverage obligations. Given the scale of the problem, this approach will not be able to fix all mobile coverage issues consumers face today. Our proposals therefore form an important part of a wider body of work aimed at improving mobile coverage in the UK. Read more about it on the Ofcom website
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Fixed wireless spectrum strategy: Consultation on proposed next steps to enable future uses of fixed wireless links – Ends 1st February 2018
Ofcom has recently gathered information on how the uses of fixed wireless links could change over the next 5-10 years. The document summarises our key findings and consults on specific areas which focus on enabling ultra-high capacity wireless backhaul requirements for the future. Fixed wireless links are used to provide wireless connectivity for a range of uses such as mobile backhaul, utility services, broadcasting and financial networks using a range of spectrum bands.
In light of stakeholder responses, we are now consulting on specific areas that would enable evolved uses of fixed wireless links. With capacity requirements set to increase significantly, particularly as new technologies and networks evolve towards 5G, greater focus is now being placed on the higher millimetre wave bands to deliver this capacity. In order to start this discussion, this document explores new potential spectrum above 92 GHz.
The document consults on changing the authorisation regime in the 64-66 GHz band to licence exempt and seeks views on a revised technical condition across the 57-66 GHz, commonly known as V band, in order to enable new fixed wireless access use cases. We are also seeking views on the adjacent 66-71 GHz band given that it could be part of the same ecosystem as V band. Read more about it from the Ofcom website
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2017
1st December 2017 – Ofcom has today published its proposed 2018/19 Annual Plan for consultation, outlining its areas of work for the next financial year. Ofcom wants to make sure that people and businesses in the UK get the best from their communications services. They aim to do this by encouraging competition; securing standards and improving quality; and protecting consumers from harm. Ofcom’s proposed plan highlights all our major work areas in the financial year 2018/19. Those with an interest in Ofcom’s work are encouraged to respond to the consultation by the closing date of 9 February 2018. They are also holding a series of events to gain direct feedback from industry stakeholders and members of the public on our proposed plan. These events are taking place in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London.
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30th November 2017 – Ofcom has today published its eighth annual Digital Radio Report, which tracks the progress of digital radio in the UK. The report provides an update on the availability, take-up, listening patterns and attitudes towards digital radio, as originally requested by Government in 2010 as part of the Digital Radio Action Plan. The report primarily uses data from RAJAR and Ofcom’s own consumer research, and serves as a reference for industry, stakeholders and consumers. Among the report’s findings is that almost half of the time spent listening to any radio (48.8%) is now through a digital platform.
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23rd November 2017 – Ofcom is today consulting on a Statutory Instrument giving effect to a decision in October 2017 to allow the use of ‘mobile phone repeaters’, without the need for a licence. Mobile phone repeaters amplify signals between a mobile phone and the network operators’ base stations, enhancing coverage for the user. Our October decision licence exempts two categories of repeaters:
Static mobile phone repeaters for indoor use; and
Low gain mobile phone repeaters for in-vehicle use.
The regulations to licence exempt these two types of devices are due to come into force in early 2018. This Statutory Instrument also seeks to harmonise the frequencies and technical parameters for certain short-range devices (SRDs). These include devices such as car key-fobs and baby monitors, and follows a decision by the European Commission to harmonise these devices across Europe. Read more here from the Ofcom website
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9th May 2017 – Ofcom has published a consultation on a technical analysis of coexistence between future mobile services in the 700 MHz band, and digital terrestrial television (DTT) in the 470-694 MHz band. In November 2014, Ofcom announced that the 700 MHz band – which is currently used for DTT and wireless microphone applications, known as ‘programme making and special events’ (PMSE) – would be repurposed for mobile data as soon as practicably possible. In 2014, Ofcom presented the results of our initial work on coexistence issues. More detailed work to investigate the nature and scale of potential interference has now been completed. This consultation invites comments on the analysis and some potential technical solutions we have identified to mitigate any interference risks. Read more here from the Ofcom Website
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5th April 2017 – Ofcom has today published a consultation setting out plans for permitting the licence-exempt use of certain types of mobile phone repeaters, intended for in-home and in-vehicle use. Repeaters boost and retransmit mobile signals. Their use by consumers is currently unlawful, as the type of wideband repeater that we come across today can cause interference or other adverse effects to mobile services for other nearby customers. The only exception is if the repeaters are supplied and operated under the control of a mobile network operator.
The effect of our proposals would be that repeaters which meet our requirements would be available for consumers to buy and install lawfully themselves. This relates specifically to static repeaters, intended for in-home use; and ‘low gain’ repeaters, intended for use in cars. The use of wideband repeaters installed by consumers themselves would continue to be unlawful. Read more here from the Ofcom Website
2016
N/A
2015
On the 5th January 2015, Ofcom launched a consultation on draft regulations for new wireless telegraphy legislation, intended to keep pace with technological advances to control interference. Electrical and electronic apparatus are capable of emitting electromagnetic energy. In most cases, this is minimal and has no noticeable negative effects. However, in some cases the level of energy emitted from apparatus can cause interference to wireless communications. Ofcom has powers to take enforcement action in instances where some types of electrical or electronic apparatus causes undue interference to wireless communications. The proposed regulations are intended to be more resilient to technical developments. Full details of the consultation can be found here.
2014
N/A
2013
We submitted a response to the “UHF and VHF spectrum planning – Call for inputs to Ofcom’s plans for the potential procurement of models, tools & services” consultation with RFPlan. Full details can be found here – Ofcom
2012
N/A
2011
Interference from future mobile signals might make digital TV unwatchable for some Britons, Ofcom has said. A consultation exercise which will consider ways to tackle the interference issue ran until 11 August 2011 – Ofcom’s Website
2010
We worked with Plum Consulting to investigate the financial implications of Ofcom’s decision to clear the 800 MHz spectrum band. As a result of this decision, DTT services currently located on channels 61 and 62 will be moved to alternative spectrum, requiring engineering changes and financing. We are advising Plum Consulting with respect to the engineering implications of such work.
2009
Our 2009 Aerial Condition study & report for the BIS (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) is available upon request. The data we collected for that project was used by Aegis Spectrum Engineering to produce the following work for Ofcom.
2008
Our response to ‘The Future of Digital Television’ consultation was available on the Ofcom website from February 2008.
2007
‘Self-help’ TV Relay Systems. Our responce to Ofcom’s FAQ regarding self-help TV relay systems can be requested from us if required.