Morning, Wednesday, 24th March 2027
Online
This conference will consider next steps for spectrum policy and regulation in the UK. Areas for discussion include approaches to increasing access to spectrum and encouraging investment in future connectivity, the balance between exclusive licensing and flexible forms of sharing, supporting incumbent and critical-infrastructure users, and how the regulatory framework can respond to growing demand from mobile, Wi-Fi, satellite and emerging wireless technologies.
Authorisation, sharing & the regulatory framework
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to examine priorities for spectrum access and management. Discussion will take place in the context of the Government’s Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services designated in April 2026, as well as Ofcom’s July 2026 decisions on shared Wi-Fi and mobile access to the Upper 6 GHz band, and its review of how the spectrum regulatory framework supports innovation.
Delegates will discuss how authorisation, sharing and licensing models can accommodate evolving service needs and support investment planning for operators and infrastructure users, including the role of automated frequency coordination in spectrum sharing. They will also consider approaches to balancing economic growth, competition and efficiency with security, resilience and continuity of existing services.
Mobile-satellite convergence, emerging uses & spectrum awards
The agenda will assess issues arising as mobile and satellite networks increasingly converge, including implementation of satellite direct-to-device services, the future of the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services band as current authorisations expire in May 2027, and implementation of Ofcom's recent decisions to expand spectrum access for satellite connectivity on aircraft and ships. Attendees will consider emerging spectrum requirements for drones, private and industrial networks, and other new wireless applications.
With the 1.4 GHz auction expected in the first half of 2027, discussion will also examine approaches to spectrum assignment, competition and investment certainty as new capacity is brought to market.
Incumbents, critical infrastructure & international planning
Further sessions will assess how spectrum policy can accommodate the requirements of critical national infrastructure, broadcasting, and Programme Making and Special Events, alongside demand for future mobile and satellite capacity, including approaches to coexistence, relocation and access to alternative bands. Delegates will consider how resilient communications can be supported for energy, transport, emergency and public services, the implications of changing technology and demand for long-term spectrum planning, and the UK’s positions ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.
Overview of areas for discussion
- authorisation, access & innovation:
- evolving Innovation and Trial licensing - barriers between testing and commercial deployment - proportionate, adaptable authorisation
- local and shared access - Shared Access licensing and other models - access for private networks, SMEs and new wireless applications
- Upper 6 GHz, AFC & coexistence:
- prioritised sharing - Wi-Fi and mobile priority portions, AFC-controlled access and arrangements as mobile deployment develops
- high-density-area mobile licensing proposals - geographic scope, deployment certainty and options for access elsewhere - potential 6G capacity
- satellite & non-terrestrial networks:
- direct-to-device implementation and future 2 GHz MSS access - continuity for existing services, longer-term authorisation and potential competing uses - alignment with EU approaches
- satellite connectivity for aircraft and ships - implementing Ofcom's new spectrum access arrangements - authorisation and coexistence - implications for aviation, maritime and satellite operators
- drones, industrial use & emerging demand:
- Ofcom’s drone spectrum proposals - control links, BVLOS operations and drone-detection radar - from trials to commercial deployment
- industrial and private network requirements - reliability, security and scalability - spectrum needs across manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure
- incumbents, PMSE & critical infrastructure:
- proposed changes affecting fixed links in Upper 6GHz and other incumbent users - notice periods, alternative capacity and continuity for energy and essential services
- PMSE requirements and Ofcom’s sector spectrum review - wireless microphones, in-ear monitoring and cameras - spectrum efficiency, alternative bands and provision for major events
- awards, international alignment & future planning:
- 1.4 GHz award progress and experience from mmWave - assignment, competition and translating spectrum holdings into deployment and productive use
- preparations for WRC-27 - mobile and satellite requirements, including potential 6G bands - scientific uses and international alignment - long-term UK spectrum planning
