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, including advanced communications, satellite, and preparation for 6G, looking at frameworks needed to support advanced communications technologies and the UK’s engagement in international coordination. It takes place in an evolving regulatory landscape, as well as the wider context of the 10-Year UK Infrastructure Strategy and the Industrial Strategy - which place spectrum at the centre of an agenda for critical digital infrastructure delivery and growth.
The conference will bring key stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss implications of regulatory and policy developments, including the recently finalised Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Award) Regulations 2025, and priorities for Ofcom’s upcoming mmWave spectrum auction aimed at widening access and improve 5G services across the UK.
Policy, standards & allocation
Delegates will also consider unresolved proposals for the sharing of 6GHz between mobile and Wi-Fi services, as well as opening 1.4GHz bands for 4G and 5G usage. Areas for discussion include how spectrum policy can best support national rollout and connectivity standards, with reference to the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan and its priorities for frontier technologies.
Sessions will look at the Government’s consultation on the proposed Statement of Strategic Priorities, including approaches for optimising spectrum allocation, improving digital infrastructure rollout, and streamlining regulation. We also expect discussion on the evolving remit of Ofcom and its coordination with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology going forward.
Meeting demand & addressing barriers
Delegates will consider options for addressing growing pressures on data demand and network reach for access frameworks. Areas for discussion include spectrum sharing, temporary licensing models, and measures to support innovative use cases in the Programme Making and Special Events and public sectors.
Attendees will also assess the impact of changes to licence fees and public sector sharing arrangements, as well as planning reforms aimed at accelerating local deployment.
Innovation, regulation, international alignment & long-term planning
The conference will examine opportunities for AI-enabled spectrum management and the use of simulation and digital twins through JOINER infrastructure, to support the development of next-generation communications technologies and services - 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 international alignment.
Longer-term planning will also be examined, including requirements for 6G development and competing claims over UHF spectrum after the expiry of digital terrestrial television licences in 2034.
Overview of areas for discussion
- spectrum rollout, allocation & regulation:
- priorities from the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan for availability to support frontier technologies and advanced communication
- options for spectrum allocation models - regulatory and government coordination - streamlining telecoms regulation
- planning reforms - site access arrangements - accelerating local deployment
- shared & short-duration spectrum use:
- shared access across the 6GHz band - temporary licensing for emerging satellite services such as Starlink - temporary use of the 2.3GHz band for PMSE innovation
- updated public sector spectrum framework and its implications for sharing between crown and civil use
- innovation & AI-driven spectrum management:
- findings from the UK Spectrum Policy Forum report on compliance monitoring and data insights
- applications of simulation and digital twins through JOINER infrastructure - further approaches to developing advanced communications, space-based services, and 6G
- long-term spectrum planning:
- requirements for 6G development - competing UHF claims after 2034 - preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027
- market confidence & commercial factors:
- licensing reforms - auction design - spectrum fee changes - implications for investment and competition
- flexibility in time-limited, shared, or location-specific licences for innovation-focused use cases
- international positioning:
- the UK’s role in global treaty negotiations and setting technical standards for interoperability
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
