The Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 7, 2025, amend the 2011 regulations to include a new license class, 'Spectrum Access High Density,' and two new frequency bands (25100–27500 MHz and 40500–43500 MHz).
These changes aim to increase mobile spectrum availability, potentially boosting network capacity, promoting technological advancements, and fostering economic growth.
OFCOM followed due process before enacting these amendments, and a regulatory impact assessment is publicly available.
Arguments For
Increased Spectrum Availability: The addition of the 'Spectrum Access High Density' licence class and new frequency bands increases the availability of mobile spectrum, potentially leading to improved mobile network capacity and coverage.
Technological Advancement: Opening up these higher frequency bands allows for the use of newer, faster technologies. This aligns with the need for enhanced data capacity created by the growth in mobile data usage and the wider adoption of 5G and 6G technologies.
Economic Growth: Increased spectrum availability promotes competition among mobile network operators, leading to potential innovation, lower prices, and economic growth.
Legal Basis: The regulations are made under the powers conferred by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, providing a clear legal foundation for the changes.
Arguments Against
Potential for Increased Interference: The introduction of new frequency bands may lead to increased interference if not managed effectively. This could negatively impact existing services and require mitigation strategies.
Increased Complexity of the Regulatory Framework: Adding a new licence class and frequency bands increases the complexities for mobile network operators, making compliance more challenging.
Cost implications for Mobile Network Operators: Adapting to utilise the new frequency bands and licence class may entail significant investments and operational changes for Mobile Network Operators.
Unforeseen Consequences: The long-term impact of these changes, including potential unintended environmental effects or impacts on other wireless services, is not possible to fully predicts.
The Office of Communications (“OFCOM”) make the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 30(1) and (3) and section 122(7) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 1 (the “Act”).
Before making these Regulations, OFCOM have given notice of their proposal to do so in accordance with section 122(4)(a) of the Act, published notice of their proposal in accordance with section 122(4)(b) of the Act, and have considered the representations made to them before the time specified in the notice in accordance with section 122(4)(c) of the Act.
OFCOM, using powers granted by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, created these regulations.
Before doing so, they announced their plans, published notices of the proposal, and reviewed public feedback as required by the Act.
These Regulations may be cited as the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and come into force on 7th July 2025.
These regulations are officially titled the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and became law on July 7th, 2025.
The Schedule to the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) Regulations 20112 is amended as follows.
In Column 1, after “Spectrum Access” insert “Spectrum Access High Density”
.
At the end of Column 2, insert—
“25100–27500 MHz |
40500–43500 MHz”. |
This section amends the schedule in the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) Regulations 2011.
Specifically, it adds 'Spectrum Access High Density' to Column 1 and adds "25100–27500 MHz" and "40500–43500 MHz" to Column 2.
David Willis
Group Director, Spectrum Group
For and on behalf of the Office of Communications
16th June 2025
This is the signature block indicating the regulations were signed by David Willis, Group Director of the Spectrum Group, on behalf of OFCOM on June 16th, 2025.
These Regulations amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1507, amended by S.I. 2013/646, S.I. 2015/1339 and S.I. 2019/951) to include an additional licence class (“Spectrum Access High Density”) and additional frequency bands (25100–27500 MHz and 40500–43500 MHz) in the Schedule.
A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect of these Regulations is available on OFCOM’s website at www.ofcom.org.uk. Hard copies of this assessment can be obtained free of charge by writing to OFCOM at Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HA (tel. 020 7981 3000). Copies of this assessment have also been placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament.
This explanatory note summarizes the changes made by the regulations.
It highlights the addition of the 'Spectrum Access High Density' license class and the specified frequency bands to the 2011 regulations.
It also points interested parties to OFCOM's website or physical address to access the full regulatory impact assessment.