UK Spectrum Management Strategy: tomorrow’s challenges today

1. UK Spectrum Management Strategy: tomorrow’s challenges today Chris Woolford Director, International Spectrum Policy Radcomms 2014

2. We aim to manage spectrum in a way that maximises the benefits to UK citizens and consumers Many uses/users of spectrum Our aims • Furthering the interests of citizens and consumers, where appropriate by promoting competition • including ensuring: • optimal use of spectrum • availability throughout the UK of a wide range of communications service and TV and radio services • ...whilst having regard to the different needs and interests of all spectrum users

3. A balanced approach to spectrum management Auctions Rely on the market to deliver efficient use where possible and effective Key tools include Trading Liberalisation Pricing International harmonisation and coordination Take regulatory action where necessary Key instances include Coexistence issues and coordination challenges Promoting competition Delivering other duties and the citizen interest 2

4. Current approaches to managing interference deliver complementary benefits Uncoordinated deployment of equipment can lead to interference between networks Operator coordinates frequencies to avoid interference 3 3

5. Tomorrow’s challenges • Continued growth in demand for spectrum from all uses • Expansion in low power, localised uses (M2M etc.) • Fewer obvious opportunities for spectrum release • Recycling of spectrum from lower to higher value uses • Greater intensity and more dynamic use of spectrum • Increasing importance of higher frequency • spectrum 4

6. More spectrum is not only answer, e.g. mobile operators can make more efficient use of existing spectrum More sites ‘Smaller number of users share the capacity of each site’ Offloading Reduces data carried on mobile network core More Spectrum ‘More MHz’ More efficient technology ‘More bits per MHz’ Total mobile network capacity = x x Source: Real Wireless And making more spectrum available can take many years of preparation…so need to plan a long way ahead 5 5

7. Increased focus on sharing Managing coexistence Spectrum information Receiver standards International engagement to influence international outcomes

8. Ofcom’s priority areas Mobile data demand 700MHz band and future of free to view TV Public Sector Spectrum Release M2M/IoT Emergency services PMSE (wireless cameras and mics) 7

9. Work Programme 8

10. Current priorities We already have four wireless data initiatives on the go Proposed release of the 700 MHz band Pilot of TV white spaces Award of 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands 870 MHz / 915 MHz licence exemption (suitable for M2M) 9

11. Developments in Europe • Continued increased interest from European institutions in spectrum matters • For example discussions on spectrum form key part of draft Connected Continent Regulation • Wireless broadband remains at the heart of European interests • 700 MHz is highest profile…. but other bands also of interest (1452-1492 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.4 – 3.6 GHz) • And increasing interest in a range of other spectrum related issues • Future use of the UHF band • Short Range Devices, RFID, Internet of Things • PMSE, PPDR, scientific and transport applications etc. etc. • European Commission can be expected to continue to push for stronger co-ordination of spectrum interests across Europe

12. Thank you!