UK SPF Priorities for 2023/24 (June to May)
Purpose of the SPF:
The purpose of the Spectrum Policy Forum is to be a pro-active industry-led ‘sounding board’ to UK Government and Ofcom on future policy and approaches on spectrum and a cross—industry ‘agent’ for promoting the role of spectrum in society and the maximisation of its economic and social value to the UK. We do this by exchanging news and views on developments in using spectrum, drawing on our industry expertise from around the world.
Our long term goals are to maximise the contribution of spectrum to UK ambitions on economic growth and societal improvements by
- highlighting the inherent (and sometimes hidden) contribution of spectrum to the economy – in particular its role in tackling the big challenges facing society in the next 10-15 years
- facilitating innovation in use of spectrum in a manner that promotes innovation and investment alongside consumer-focused outcomes
- updating the framework for socioeconomic valuation of spectrum
- fostering and promoting ways to use spectrum more intensively by bringing greater understanding of the scope, obstacles and incentives for sharing
During 2023/24 we will focus on:
Contributing to formulation of the UK position in international spectrum forums:
- working with Government and Ofcom to develop UK positions to secure international agreements that enable the UK to capitalise on the value of spectrum.
- working with Ofcom and industry on WRC-23, WRC-27 and future WRC issues
Being an effective advocate for spectrum users with Government to ensure that spectrum remains high on their agenda:
- advocating the role of spectrum in addressing the big challenges facing society in the next 10-15 years, including supporting wider govt. policy ambitions and examining the implications for vertical markets advising on the consequences for spectrum users of adopting specific policies, for example with respect to the future of different mobile technologies or space sector
Progressing our other longer-term goals:
- exploring the opportunities for exploitation of higher frequencies (millimetre wave and terahertz bands) whilst ensuring the availability of suitable and sufficient low and mid bands for all wireless applications and services
- exploring innovative solutions to accessing spectrum & promoting flexible spectrum access methods, including considering when authorisation mechanisms should provide for exclusive use
- exploring future communication systems, including 6G and its corresponding policy issues