In a bid to adapt to the evolving landscape of wireless broadband technologies, Ofcom has initiated consultations for a comprehensive update to their spectrum sharing framework. The proposed changes aim to enhance the availability of local spectrum to support the growing demand for 5G connectivity, particularly in the congested 3.8-4.2 GHz bands.

Ofcom currently offers two main types of Shared Access licences, distinguished by permitted power levels. A low power licence allows users to deploy base stations in a circular area with a 50-metre radius without additional authorisation from Ofcom. While a medium power licence is issued on a per-base station basis, often catering to deployments in rural areas with higher transmit power.  

Proposed changes include: 

• Increased Coverage: Ofcom proposes permitting an additional 3 dB EIRP on the ‘Low Power’ product to support wider coverage, particularly in urban environments.
• Record Keeping: Removing the requirement for users to maintain specific records for mobile terminals connected to low power indoor base stations in the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, facilitating more ‘neutral host’ style solutions.
• Enhanced Coordination: Introducing new steps for additional user input in coordination decisions, allowing users to collectively agree on additional deployments.
• Operational Improvements: Providing updated spectrum availability maps and plans to move applications online in the first half of 2024.
• Coordination Approach Update: Shrinking separation distances between users by 75% to 90% for Low Power and Medium Power licences, respectively.
• Technical Assumptions Update: Focusing on coordinating base station transmissions with other users’ terminal receivers, using updated Building Entry Loss figures, and amended adjacent band coordination with UK Broadband.
• Pricing Adjustments: Considering adjustments to the pricing approach for the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, exploring incentive-based pricing to promote more efficient spectrum use.

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Interestingly, the proposal does not include the adoption of a Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) based approach, as Ofcom concludes that maintaining a more certain, less dynamic form of spectrum allocation better serves the needs of Shared Access users.

While planning to remove the clause signalling a move towards DSA, Ofcom still intends to maintain licence conditions through which they may notify licensees to change their transmitting frequency, aligning with a broader spectrum management purpose.

Stakeholders are expected to provide feedback on the proposals, with further consultations anticipated on specific fee revisions based on the received input.