31 Oct 2019

Ofcom proposes regulation changes to support spectrum sharing

Ofcom has shared details on its proposed changes to the spectrum trading and register regulations.

This follows an earlier announcement of two new types of spectrum licences – the Local Access Licence and the Shared Access Licence – as part of its new spectrum sharing approach.

The new spectrum sharing framework aims to enable wireless innovation through local licensing. Organisations, such as small businesses and start-ups, will be able to use spectrum that is held by mobile operators but isn’t being used.

Putting that into practice will require amendments to the Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading) Regulations 2012 and the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) Regulations 2011. The trading arrangements proposed by Ofcom are similar to the current trading arrangements for holders of other spectrum licences.

Ofcom is also consulting on amending the Wireless Telegraphy (Register) Regulations 2012 to enable it to publish information about these licences.

More details on how to submit responses to the consultation can be found here. The consultation closes at 5pm on 3 December 2019.