Statement: Increasing use of the 27.5-30 GHz and 32 GHz bands

Statement published 3 February 2025

Ofcom has today announced it is releasing further radio spectrum in the 27.5-30 GHz (28 GHz) and 32 GHz bands. 

Blocks of spectrum in these bands recently became available and are particularly suitable for fixed links and satellite connectivity services.   

Providing more spectrum for these purposes will enable service providers to increase their capacity and serve more customers, supporting innovation and growth.   

For the 28 GHz band, we have decided to make:

• an additional 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum (27.8285-27.9405 GHz paired with 28.8365-28.9485 GHz) available on a nationwide basis immediately for land-based satellite terminals and;  
• an additional 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum (28.1925-28.3045 GHz paired with 29.2005-29.3125 GHz) available in London and Northen Ireland for satellite gateways with immediate effect, and for point-to-point fixed links later this year.  

For the 32 GHz band, we have decided to make:  

• 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum (32.459-32.571 GHz paired with 33.271-33.383 GHz) available for point-to-point fixed links on a nationwide basis, available later in 2025.   

We will also decide how to make a further 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum in the 28 GHz band (27.9405-28.0525 GHz paired with 29.9485-29.0605 GHz) available once we have further evidence on the uptake of spectrum made available through this initial set of changes.   

In addition, we have decided not to introduce a new process to directly authorise satellite gateways in 28 GHz frequencies licensed to Spectrum Access licensees at this time. This is because additional evidence we have received suggests it is reasonable to expect market mechanisms (the leasing of spectrum between parties) to lead to further sharing without our intervention. We may revisit this again in future if we receive evidence that this is not proving effective in enabling gateway access.