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UK Spectrum Policy Forum Warns of Spectrum ‘Crunch’
New report to Government identifies long-term spectrum requirements with common concerns across 11 sectors highlighting future policy requirements
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum has warned that the UK is at risk of a spectrum 'crunch' if growing demand is not met. Failure to provide adequate spectrum across a number of sectors that have critical business and social requirements could result in significant economic and social impact for the UK. Based on studies of 11 sectors, from space and radio to broadcasting and transport, the report provides a snapshot of the current spectrum usage and expected long-term future needs. You can download the report here.
This study of the major users of spectrum in the UK identifies the business and societal activities which depend on spectrum and the associated drivers of value.
Based on these views, the report identifies spectrum "pinch points" which must be addressed if we are to maximise future growth in spectrum value. Across sectors a set of common themes are identified, which may constrain the value of services if not addressed appropriately. These pinch points include:
- An insufficiency of spectrum to support the capacity needs of sectors experiencing and expecting substantial growth in demand
- Threats to current services from spectrum demand from other sectors, either via changes to spectrum allocations or from interference, creating challenges in promoting future investment;
- The need to align UK spectrum policy with international policies in order to promote economies of scale in equipment and open access to services;
- Tensions between public sector and private use of spectrum;
- Tensions between exclusive licensing and licence-exempt spectrum access;
- Tensions between public access and critical communications
- Immaturity and lack of regulatory clarity of newer models for spectrum access such as spectrum sharing and policies regarding spectrum pricing.
David Meyer, Chairman of the UK Spectrum Policy Forum said: "Spectrum is a national asset that is increasingly subject to international developments and which, if appropriately distributed and used, can yield substantial economic and social value for the UK.
"The findings of this report will help industry, Ofcom and Government maintain the UK's leading place on spectrum in Europe and more widely. By promoting mutual understanding between sectors we can assist in forming polices which will maximise spectrum value for the UK."
Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaisey said: "Radio spectrum is increasingly important to business and will play a key role in the continued growth of the UK's economy. This report on the future of spectrum will help us work together to focus on the challenges in getting the best value for the UK from using spectrum."
The 11 sectors identified by the report are:
- Public mobile
- Utilities
- Business Radio
- Space
- Meteorology
- Defence
- Transportation
- Broadcasting and Entertainment
- Short range wireless
- Fixed Wireless: Access and Transport Networks
- Amateur radio
For more information please contact:
Skye Macleod, Programme Manager
T 020 7331 2191
E skye.macleod@techuk.org
About the UK Spectrum Policy Forum
UK Spectrum Policy Forum (@UK SPF) is the industry-led sounding board to Government and Ofcom on future spectrum management and regulatory policy with a view to maximising the benefits of spectrum for the UK. The main objective of the Forum is to enable the policy and regulatory environment for maximising access to spectrum through cross-industry leadership and exploring ‘over the horizon’ issues in spectrum-using applications.
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum is supported by techUK.
