There are no awards in progress at the moment.
mmWave
We are enabling the industry to use a large amount of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands (together, “mmWave spectrum”) for new services, including 5G. The 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum bands, which together comprise 6.25 GHz of spectrum, have both been identified for mobile services globally, and for 5G in Europe. Making mmWave spectrum available for new uses has the potential to deliver significant benefits to people and businesses in the UK.
All of our publications relating to the mmWave award are available on our page “Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses”.
1.4 GHz
On 18 October 2023, we published a call for inputs (PDF, 2.3 MB) on making the 1492-1517 MHz block of the 1.4 GHz band available for mobile use. This seeks stakeholders’ comments on our initial technical analysis of the likely extent of interference mobile use of this spectrum could cause to users of the adjacent 1.5 GHz band, and on our initial views on the measures we could take to mitigate this interference risk.
| Award | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz | Completed | 2021 |
| 2.3 GHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz | Completed | 2018 |
| 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz | Completed | 2014 |
| 600 MHz Award | Completed | 2013 |
| 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz | Completed | 2013 |
| 790 - 862 MHz | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) | 2009 |
| 2500-2690 MHz (with 2010 -2025 MHz) | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award). Also see 2010-2025 MHz | 2009 |
| 542 550 MHz (Licence covering Cardiff area) | Completed | 2008 |
| 758 766 MHz Manchester area | Completed | 2008 |
| 1452-1492 MHz (L Band) | Completed | 2008 |
| Digital Dividend Review | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) | 2008 |
| 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz | Completed | 2007 |
| 1785-1805 MHz in Northern Ireland | Completed | 2007 |
| 412-414 MHz/422-424 MHz | Completed | 2006 |
| 1781.7-1785 MHz/1876.7-1880 MHz (GSM/ DECT guard bands) | Completed | 2006 |
| 3.4GHz Fixed Wireless Access | Completed | 2003 |
| 28GHz Broadband Fixed Wireless Access | Completed | 2000 |
| Third Generation (3G) Mobile | Completed | 2000 |
Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses
Published: 16 April 2024
Last updated: 11 November 2024
We have set out the design of the auction for awarding citywide licences for the mmWave spectrum and invite evidence on whether to include a negotiation period in the assignment stage.
Award of 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum by auction
Published: 5 May 2021
Last updated: 8 November 2024
The 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz frequency bands are being awarded by auction. The frequency bands are likely to be used by mobile network operators to deliver a range of services, including 5G mobile.
Consultation: Proposals to make auction regulations for the mmWave award
Published: 14 May 2024
Last updated: 25 July 2024
This consultation provides notice of, and invites stakeholders’ views on, Ofcom’s proposals to make regulations for the award by auction of radio spectrum licences in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands.
A guide to Ofcom’s forthcoming spectrum auction
Published: 10 March 2021
Last updated: 10 March 2024
This week Ofcom is launching the latest spectrum auction, which will result in better mobile services and better access to 5G technology.
Ofcom confirms plans for spectrum auction early next year
Published: 8 March 2020
Last updated: 5 January 2024
Ofcom has today confirmed plans to auction important airwaves to help improve mobile broadband and support the rollout of 5G.
Call for Input: Making more spectrum in the 1.4 GHz band available for mobile services
Published: 18 October 2023
Ofcom is seeking views on the technical analysis we have conducted to estimate the likely extent of such interference, and on our initial views on the measures we could take to mitigate the interference risk.
Ofcom spectrum auction: final results announced
Published: 27 April 2021
Last updated: 3 July 2023
Ofcom has today announced the final results of the auction for spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, following completion of the remaining stages.
Ofcom spectrum auction: principal stage results
Published: 17 March 2021
Last updated: 3 July 2023
Ofcom has announced the outcome of the principal stage of its auction to release more airwaves to improve mobile services and support 5G.
700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz auction – stakeholder Q&A
Published: 30 March 2021
Last updated: 17 March 2023
Ofcom finalises rules for mobile airwaves auction
Published: 13 March 2020
Last updated: 17 March 2023
Ofcom has today confirmed how we will release important airwaves to help improve mobile broadband and support the rollout of 5G.