UK Spectrum Management Strategy: tomorrow’s challenges today Chris Woolford Director, International Spectrum Policy Radcomms 2014

We aim to manage spectrum in a way that maximises the benefits to UK citizens and consumers 1 Our aims Furthering the interests of citizens and consumers, where appropriate by promoting competition including ensuring: –optimal use of spectrum –availability throughout the UK of a wide range of communications service and TV and radio services...whilst having regard to the different needs and interests of all spectrum users Many uses/users of spectrum

2 A balanced approach to spectrum management 2 Rely on the market to deliver efficient use where possible and effective Key tools include Take regulatory action where necessary Key instances include Auctions Trading Liberalisation Pricing International harmonisation and coordination Coexistence issues and coordination challenges Promoting competition Delivering other duties and the citizen interest

33 Current approaches to managing interference deliver complementary benefits Key characteristicsAdvantagesDisadvantages Licensed (E.g. mobile broadband) Centrally coordinated approach where use of spectrum is licensed to a particular user Licensed spectrum enables wide area coverage with good service quality Surety of access secures investment in critical national infrastructure Restricting use can act as an inhibitor to innovation Substantial costs and administrative overheads Licence exempt (E.g. Wi-Fi) No licence required to access spectrum, which is effectively free Reduced barriers to entry provide a platform for innovation Limited restrictions on the kinds of technologies that can be used Susceptible to ‘tragedy of the commons’ due to interference No central coordination, limiting use to short rage, low power applications 3 Operator coordinates frequencies to avoid interference Uncoordinated deployment of equipment can lead to interference between networks

4 Tomorrow’s challenges 4 Continued growth in demand for spectrum from all uses Expansion in low power, localised uses (M2M etc.) Fewer obvious opportunities for spectrum release Recycling of spectrum from lower to higher value uses Greater intensity and more dynamic use of spectrum Increasing importance of higher frequency spectrum

55 More spectrum is not only answer, e.g. mobile operators can make more efficient use of existing spectrum 5 Total mobile network capacity = x More Spectrum ‘More MHz’ More efficient technology ‘More bits per MHz’ More sites ‘Smaller number of users share the capacity of each site’ x Offloading Reduces data carried on mobile network core Source: Real Wireless And making more spectrum available can take many years of preparation…so need to plan a long way ahead

6 Increased focus on sharing Managing coexistence Receiver standardsSpectrum information International engagement to influence international outcomes

77 Ofcom’s priority areas Mobile data demand 700MHz band and future of free to view TV Public Sector Spectrum Release PMSE (wireless cameras and mics) M2M/IoT Emergency services

8 Work Programme 8

9 We already have four wireless data initiatives on the go Proposed release of the 700 MHz band 9 Pilot of TV white spaces Award of 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands 870 MHz / 915 MHz licence exemption (suitable for M2M) Current priorities

Developments in Europe Continued increased interest from European institutions in spectrum matters –For example discussions on spectrum form key part of draft Connected Continent Regulation Wireless broadband remains at the heart of European interests –700 MHz is highest profile…. but other bands also of interest ( MHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.4 – 3.6 GHz) And increasing interest in a range of other spectrum related issues –Future use of the UHF band –Short Range Devices, RFID, Internet of Things –PMSE, PPDR, scientific and transport applications etc. etc. European Commission can be expected to continue to push for stronger co-ordination of spectrum interests across Europe 10

Thank you! 11