The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) (Revocation) Order 2026

Published: Thu 16th Jul 26

Revoked the 2010 Order that directed OFCOM to manage wireless spectrum licenses and auctions.

This Order revokes the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) Order 2010, effectively ending the specific legal directions previously issued by the Secretary of State to the Office of Communications (OFCOM).

It applies to the UK's telecommunications regulator, removing mandated requirements to vary wireless telegraphy licences, amend spectrum trading and charging regulations, and set specific auction rules for electromagnetic spectrum.

The revocation reflects the government's position that the 2010 mandates, which aimed to facilitate the deployment of mobile broadband, have been fully implemented and are no longer necessary.

Arguments For

The order states that the 2010 Order has become redundant because its original objectives have been achieved.
Proponents note that the directions to vary licences, amend spectrum trading rules, and set auction regulations have already served their purpose in facilitating the release of spectrum.
The document asserts that the revocation aligns with the desirability of not favoring specific electronic communications networks or services over others.
The Secretary of State concludes that the measure will have no significant impact on the private, voluntary, or public sectors, as it removes technically obsolete instructions.

Arguments Against

Legal scholars might question whether the removal of these specific directions creates a temporary regulatory vacuum regarding the historical basis for current spectrum license conditions.
Industry stakeholders might seek clarity on whether the revocation of directions related to license charges and trading rules signals a change in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's future approach to OFCOM oversight.
Critics of centralized spectrum management could argue that the 2010 Order's original goals for 'next generation wireless mobile broadband' coverage were met with varying degrees of success across different regions.

Citation, commencement and extent

-(1) This Order may be cited as the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) (Revocation) Order 2026.

(2) This Order shall come into force on the day after the day on which it is made.
(3) This Order extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This section establishes the official name of the instrument and sets the date it becomes legally active as 16 July 2026.

It specifies that the legal changes apply uniformly across all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Revocation

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) Order 2010( b ) is revoked.

( b ) S.I. 2010/3024.

This provision cancels the 2010 Order in its entirety.

This removal ends the Secretary of State's formal directions to OFCOM concerning the release of spectrum for mobile broadband and the associated regulatory frameworks for license trading and fees.

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