Ofcom is proposing to align the terms of licences in the 3.4-3.6 GHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, to reduce potential barriers to spectrum trading between mobile network operators

Spectrum in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band is being used by the four UK mobile operators to deliver 5G services.

When this spectrum was awarded to operators through auctions in 2018 and 2021, some of it was already licensed to UK Broadband Limited.

Currently, UK Broadband’s spectrum licences in this band are subject to different terms than the other licences in the same band.

We consider that aligning licence terms and removing the disparity between UK Broadband’s licences and the auctioned licences could lead to more efficient use of spectrum.

The consultation closes on 5 July 2022, and we plan to publish our decision in September 2022 - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/aligning-licence-terms-in-the-3.4-3.8-ghz-band