Unlocking mmWave spectrum to boost mobile services for UK users

On 16 and 17 September Ofcom will accept applications to bid in the auction for licences to use 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum (known as ‘mmWave’ spectrum).

The licences will enable this spectrum to be used for mobile technology, including 5G services, which will help to unlock a number of benefits for consumers.

mmWave spectrum will enable improved mobile services, particularly when it comes to capacity and speeds in cities, major towns and busy areas. In addition, mmWave spectrum could enable innovative wireless applications requiring large amounts of data, very high speeds, or both.

Ofcom are making 5.4 GHz of spectrum available, which is the most they have ever released in an auction.

5G mobile use of mmWave spectrum is still at an early stage worldwide, and the UK are one of the first countries to release it in large quantities. In doing so, the aim is to enable innovation and improvement in services across the mobile sector.

Making mmWave spectrum available for new uses has the potential to deliver significant benefits to people and businesses in the UK.

This type of spectrum will enable services requiring very high capacity and speeds. It can play an important role in enabling mobile providers to meet current needs and future growth in demand for data – this means that it can help to improve capacity in busy places like train stations, busy urban areas, and sports and music venues where lots of people want to use their mobile phone at the same time.