Morning, Friday, 5th December 2025
Online
This conference will examine the future direction of spectrum policy and regulation in the UK.
Discussion will consider priorities for future connectivity, frameworks needed to support advanced communications technologies, and the UK’s engagement in international coordination, in the context of wider 10-Year UK Infrastructure Strategy and Industrial Strategy.
Policy, standards & allocation
It will bring key stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss implications of current regulatory and policy developments, including the recently finalised Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Award) Regulations 2025, Ofcom’s upcoming mmWave spectrum auction, and unresolved proposals on 6 GHz and 1.4 GHz access.
Implications for national rollout and connectivity standards will be examined in relation to aims set out in the 10-Year UK Infrastructure Strategy and the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, which place spectrum at the centre of infrastructure delivery and digital growth.
We expect a focus on the Government’s consultation on the proposed Statement of Strategic Priorities, looking at optimising spectrum allocation, enhancing digital infrastructure rollout, and streamlining telecoms regulation, as well as the evolving remit of Ofcom and its coordination with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology going forward.
Meeting demand & addressing barriers
Delegates will assess implications of growing pressures on data demand and network reach for access frameworks, including shared and temporary licensing models, and new proposals for short-duration use of the 2.3 GHz band.
The potential impact on investment of mobile licence fee reductions and release of public sector spectrum will also be assessed - as well as the potential effects of planning barriers on the pace of local deployment.
Innovation, regulation, international alignment & long-term planning
Attendees will examine implications of artificial intelligence-enabled spectrum management for regulatory strategy and monitoring practice, including the use of simulation and digital twins through the JOINER infrastructure - and how these tools can be deployed to support the development of advanced communications technologies, space-based services, and next-generation systems such as 6G.
Further discussion will look at preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 and the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks, focusing on implications for spectrum availability, interoperability, and the UK’s ability to influence international standards and regulatory alignment.
Longer-term spectrum planning will also be examined, including future requirements linked to 6G, and competing claims over the UHF band following the expiry of digital terrestrial television licences in 2034, as well as pressures facing the creative and live events sectors.
Overall areas for discussion
- regulatory clarity and investor confidence:
- implications of recent licensing reforms for market entry, auction design, and competition
- potential effects on spectrum use in high-demand bands
- digital connectivity ambitions:
- barriers to consistent service in rural and hard-to-reach areas
- alignment of access decisions with strategic goals for national infrastructure and digital growth
- flexible spectrum use:
- trade-offs involved in time-limited, shared, or location-specific licences
- suitability of access models for dense urban, event-based, or innovation-focused use cases
- commercial levers:
- changes to spectrum fees and government-held assets
- likely consequences for infrastructure investment, business models, and pace of private sector delivery
- obstacles to rollout:
- regulatory and procedural factors affecting infrastructure build-out
- implications of planning requirements and site access for service expansion and deployment speed
- global positioning and influence:
- the UK’s role in upcoming treaty negotiations and multilateral forums
- scope to craft technical standards, access frameworks, and cross-border interoperability
- technology-driven approaches:
- oversight and assurance challenges posed by data-driven and artificial intelligence-supported spectrum management
- use of modelling and predictive tools to improve planning and efficiency
- long-term spectrum pressures:
- competing demands on bands used by broadcasters, emergency services, and telecoms
- future options as current licensing arrangements approach expiry
