Consultation: Defragmentation of spectrum holdings in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band

The 3.4-3.8 GHz band has been harmonised for mobile services and identified as the primary band for introducing 5G in Europe. There is general consensus that optimal deployment of 5G would be best achieved through large contiguous blocks. However, in the UK, the current holdings in the band mean that, without trading of blocks, holdings after our forthcoming award are likely to be fragmented.

In December 2018 we consulted on proposals for the award by auction of the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands. Having considered responses in relation to fragmentation of the 3.4-3.8 GHz band, we set out in this consultation revised proposals for part of the award process, with the aim of facilitating defragmentation.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the consultation responses form (RTF, 1.4 MB).