The Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the UK launched a public consultation aimed at amending the Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading and Register) Regulations 2012. This consultation will remain open until January 23, 2025, and invites comments from stakeholders and the public regarding proposed changes to spectrum trading practices.
What’s the Consultation About?
The consultation document, entitled “Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading and Register) (Amendment) Regulations 2024” (the “Proposed Regulations”), proposes key changes to the way wireless telegraphy licences are tradable under Ofcom’s existing rules. The goal is to refine the existing spectrum trading regulations to better reflect Ofcom’s policy decisions and support more effective use of available spectrum.
The main changes include:
- Shared Access Licences: Rights and obligations associated with 2.3 GHz, 26 GHz, and 40 GHz bands will now be tradable. This amendment allows Ofcom to include information on these licences and transfers in both the Wireless Telegraphy Register (WTR) and Transfer Notification Register (TNR).
- Point-to-Point Fixed Links: The amendment proposes that rights and obligations under Point-to-Point Fixed Links licences in the 7900-8400 MHz band can also be transferred, which facilitates flexibility and spectrum efficiency. These changes will also be documented in the WTR and TNR.
- Removal of the 64-66 GHz Band: The amendment plans to remove the 64-66 GHz band for Self Coordinated Links from the trading and register regulations, simplifying current regulations and focusing on effective spectrum use.
Why These Amendments?
Spectrum Trading allows the transfer of rights and obligations from one licensee to another, providing greater flexibility in spectrum use. Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (WT Act), while the licences themselves cannot be transferred, their associated rights can, provided Ofcom issues the necessary regulations.
These amendments are an important move to ensure that the current spectrum trading framework supports the dynamic needs of modern telecommunications. By making Shared Access and Point-to-Point Fixed Links tradable and updating the register requirements, Ofcom aims to enhance transparency and facilitate better management of available spectrum resources.
Public Feedback is Key
The public consultation is designed to confirm whether the proposed amendments accurately implement the decisions previously made by Ofcom. Comments on the Proposed Regulations are welcome until 5 p.m. on January 23, 2025. Following this consultation phase, Ofcom aims to enforce the new regulations 21 days after the final statement is published in Spring 2025.
