UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom launches a comprehensive review of the utilisation and demand for fixed wireless links and the related implications on spectrum allocation. 

Fixed wireless links are diverse in purpose. They deliver broadband to households, facilitate backhaul data capacity for mobile networks in remote regions, and also support TV broadcasts. 

Ofcom is launching this review in a bid to adapt to the evolving telecoms landscape, which is experiencing an deployment of full-fibre and low-latency satellite broadband networks, which are poised to reshape the future demand for fixed wireless links. 

“A large proportion of fixed links are currently used to deliver backhaul services for mobile networks. As a greater proportion of these backhaul services move to being delivered over fibre, we expect that the role fixed links will play in the future is more likely to be focused at the edges of the networks, rather than at the core,” said Ofcom in its call for input. 

Wireless links currently installed in the UK range from a frequency of 1.4GHz to 86GHz. Ofcom suggests that some portions of the spectrum currently allocated to fixed wireless links would be better utilised elsewhere. 

This however, remains to be determined. Which is why Ofcom is starting by assessing the level of demand for fixed wireless in the current landscape. 

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The total spectrum available for new fixed link assignments in the UK stands at approximately 22.1GHz, marking a decrease of around 5GHz since 2016. There has been a 27% decline in the overall number of links in operation, reducing from roughly 45,000 in 2016 to about 32,000 in 2023. The reduction of links is most notable in the mid-frequency bands (10 to38 GHz). 

This is due largely to the migration towards fibre networks and fewer but higher capacity links, as well as a reduction in the number of links deployed by mobile network operators such as O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three UK.

The consultation period will run until the 17th of January 2024, giving all parties a chance to contribute their insights.