UK SPF Event Round-up October Plenary 2024
In the last plenary session of 2024, the UK SPF hosted speakers from national and international organisations to discuss the future of spectrum management. The event offered a thorough overview of the strategic vision and updates across telecom, spectrum management, and related sectors. Key discussions focused on the future trajectory of spectrum policy and regulatory frameworks in an increasingly dynamic, tech-driven environment.
Strategic Priorities for Spectrum Management
A major highlight was the discussion around the next iteration of the Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP). Several themes stood out:
- Maximizing Spectrum Efficiency: The importance of using spectrum efficiently and finding innovative ways to share it across sectors was a recurring theme. This is crucial as demand continues to grow.
- Public Sector Spectrum: Ensuring that public sector spectrum is used wisely remains a priority, with promises of more transparency about future plans.
- Regulation in a Changing World: With technology evolving rapidly, there's a pressing need to keep the regulatory framework up to date and fit for purpose.
- Global Engagement: The UK is committed to staying active in international discussions to maintain its influence on global spectrum issues.
- Net Zero Ambitions: Spectrum isn't just about communication—it's becoming a vital part of energy networks and helping the UK meet its Net Zero goals.
- Space and Telecoms: The space sector is a growing focus for the Government, with spectrum being a key enabler for future advancements.
- Future of TV: The future of television spectrum is also under review, with ongoing work between the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) and Ofcom.
Attendees were encouraged to participate in the consultation process, with future documents and updates to be published soon.
Wireless Infrastructure and 6G
An important area of focus in international forums is the developments in IMT, with an emphasis on the upcoming shift towards 6G technologies, also know as IMT-2030. This work is being approached from two main streams:
- Technological advancements, including the challenging definition of IMT-2030 requirements and how to evaluate the associated capabilities.
- Spectrum matters, particularly discussions surrounding Agenda Items (AI) 1.7 and 1.13. These items touch on new band characteristics, protection criteria, and coordination with ongoing work from WRC-23.
Specific updates in these areas included:
- AI 1.7 focusing on new methods and characteristics, protection criteria for IMT, and sharing studies.
- AI 1.13, where joint meetings between WP 5D and 4C have defined a common timeline.
The event also counted with updates from the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) including debates on the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, especially concerning low- and medium-power wireless broadband. Discussions also touched on the shared use of the Upper 6 GHz band between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, with further mandates from the European Commission pending.
CEPT has also begun exploring a 6G Roadmap, covering research, standards, frequency bands, and agenda items for WRC-27.
Space and Critical Communications
Space Partnership addressed the new spectrum roadmap for the space industry. The roadmap, which will influence policy until 2035, covers the requirements to ensure available spectrum for applications in space. Some of the main goals include:
- Building a strong evidence base to regularly assess the UK's long-term spectrum needs.
- Working closely with the Government and Ofcom to ensure the space sector's needs are considered in policy development.
- Coordinating with international forums like the ITU to present a well-supported case for the UK's space sector.
- Advocating for UK space interests on the global stage.
The presentation stressed the importance of developing a national infrastructure for spectrum monitoring and management, along with ensuring the industry has the skills needed to support these goals.
Another focal point was the role of private wireless networks in industries like energy and manufacturing, which have unique requirements compared to consumer markets. Private networks, particularly in mission-critical applications such as public safety, were emphasized. Industries such as energy utilities are demanding networks that provide:
- Geographic coverage
- Intranet capabilities
- Near 100% availability
- Full operational control
In closing, the event underscored the importance of continued collaboration between industries, technology providers, and regulators. With global communications evolving at a breakneck pace, staying ahead of these developments will require stakeholders to work together to ensure policies and technologies are aligned.
As we move forward, the convergence of public and private networks, satellite connectivity, and innovations in spectrum and 6G, will shape the future of industries and the way we communicate on a global scale.
Slides
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
