Join us for the UK SPF Cluster 3 event, on Friday 29 November between 14:00-17:00, which will showcase interim findings from the three DSIT Spectrum Sandbox projects. These projects focus on exploring innovative methods for spectrum sharing within Ofcom-licensed Sandbox environments, with the goal of improving sharing parameters and gaining an understanding of the potential economic benefits.
The Spectrum Sandbox initiative supports the Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, Spectrum Statement and Ofcom’s Spectrum Roadmap. It allows industry to conduct practical measurements of wireless networks, test new spectrum-sharing solutions, perform system simulations and modelling, and carry out economic analyses. These efforts aim to identify opportunities for more effective spectrum use without harmful interference and to explore spectrum management mechanisms that could support shared and hybrid licensing approaches in the future.
The three Sandbox projects are led by:
- Real Wireless
- University of Durham
- Queen Mary University of London
The agenda will be published soon.
This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the leading experts behind these groundbreaking projects and discuss the future of spectrum sharing and its spectrum management implications. Don't miss this chance to be part of shaping the future of spectrum management!
Background
The UK government's Autumn Statement 2023 introduced funding for a series of regulatory sandboxes, with a focus on enhancing spectrum sharing across the UK. The sandboxes will create testing environments where industry and academia can explore new spectrum-sharing scenarios and the authorisation mechanisms that will be required to support them.
Key spectrum bands under study include:
- Upper 6 GHz band: Focused on how sharing can facilitate coexistence between mobile and Wi-Fi applications.
- n77 band (3.8 to 4.2 GHz): The projects will explore dynamic sharing solutions to improve the utility of this band for private network providers.
The spectrum sandbox programme is structured into three work packages: practical testbeds, simulation and modelling, and economic and regulatory assessment. These packages will enable participants to collect field measurements, assess the applicability of sharing solutions across various scenarios, and evaluate the economic benefits of these innovations. The goal is to develop new tools that support more effective spectrum sharing.
The project is set to be completed by March 2025.
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, supporting the Communications Infrastructure programme, as well as the Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Policy Fora.
