20 Feb 2024

UK SPF Event Round-Up: Future Spectrum Policy Summit 2024

On 15 February 2024, the UK SPF hosted experts from industry, government, and academia for a day full of insights around key polic and tech aspects of spectrum management

The UK Spectrum Policy Forum's Future Spectrum Policy Summit 2024 shed light on the dynamic landscape of spectrum policy and its implications for the UK. Featuring esteemed speakers and engaging discussions, the summit served as a guiding light for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Highlights from the Future Spectrum Policy Summit

The event commenced with presentations from Ofcom, the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology, and the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, addressing pressing debates around spectrum outcomes from international conferences and future perspectives. It then transitioned to topic-specific presentations and panel discussions covering testbeds, new technologies, and a historical approach to spectrum regulation in the UK.

It is really gratifying to see that the UK Spectrum Policy Forum has developed into a mature Forum where complex spectrum issues with diverse viewpoints can be discussed. It would be very difficult to think of many other fora with such depth and breadth of spectrum insights. That is very useful for us.

Holly Creek, Deputy Director, Wireless Infrastructure, Spectrum and Consumer Policy

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

This report aims to provide a useful framework to help some discussions related to the sharing of the Defence spectrum. Given that sharing the Defence spectrum will be an important topic around Europe in the next few years, UK SPF is pleased to commission this work to explore UK-specific details and look forward to the report's outcome.

Abhaya Sumanasena

Chairperson, UK Spectrum Policy Forum & Head of Policy and Regulation, Real Wireless

Attendees had the opportunity to delve deep into key themes shaping the future of spectrum policy, gaining valuable insights into emerging technologies and the challenges of spectrum sharing. A diverse lineup of speakers, including industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders, provided a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of spectrum policy.

Key discussions and insights

Discussions at the summit were centered on the importance of spectrum management in catalyzing innovation and fostering economic growth. Emphasis was placed on the necessity for policies capable of swiftly adapting to rapid technological advancements. Furthermore, the critical issue of spectrum sharing was thoroughly examined, with a focus on devising strategies to optimize spectrum utilization while ensuring fair and inclusive access for all stakeholders.

Covering a diverse variety of subjects, from standardization processes for the imminent deployment of 6G networks to the far-reaching implications of international decisions on broadcasting, wireless communication, and satellite operations, the conference facilitated in-depth discussions across the spectrum policy verticals. Additionally, it delved into the exploration of emerging technologies undergoing trials in UK universities and global deployment, providing insight into the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of connectivity. Finally, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of the landscape for research and development in the connectivty sector, offering valuable insights into relevant funding opportunities for the advancement of future telecom and wireless services.

Throughout the event, there was a drive to cultivate forward-thinking policies equipped to navigate the intricate complexities of the modern spectrum landscape. Speakers and attendees alike explored avenues, ranging from regulatory frameworks to international collaboration, all aimed at cultivating an environment conducive to spectrum innovation.

The UK SPF Future Spectrum Policy Summit 2024 provided a comprehensive overview of both the challenges and opportunities shaping the trajectory of spectrum policy in the UK. By facilitating meaningful dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, the summit has laid a solid foundation for the development of robust and adaptable spectrum policies that will drive innovation and prosperity in the years ahead.

Slides


On Friday 01 March 2024, the UK Spectrum Policy Forum will be hosting the Cluster 3-led  SAL Forum workshop on the spectrum-sharing landscape  

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With the support of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology  (DSIT), the UK SPF has created a neutral, stakeholder and government Forum and information hub to promote and scale up the usage of shared licences applications and maximise its economic and social value. 


Explore the future of 6G spectrum and learn about emerging applications and the potential coexistence of IMT technology with UK SPF Cluster 1 & 4 workshop

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In this dual-Cluster workshop, Cluster 1 & 4 will delve into the escalating demand for spectrum in the 6G era, exploring diverse applications such as AR, VR, machine-human communications, and the impact of emerging technologies like machine learning and edge computing.

 

For questions contact the team below.

Tales Gaspar

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.

In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).

Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+44 (0) 0207 331 2000
Website:
www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar

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Jaynesh Patel

Jaynesh Patel

Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK

Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.

Jaynesh has extensive experience in the sector, having worked for CityFibre (a full fibre broadband company) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on digital infrastructure policy. Most recently Jaynesh led on policy and public affairs in the UK and Ireland for ChargePoint (an EV charging network).

Prior to this Jaynesh worked in the Cabinet Office for more than five years, including over two years at the Government Digital Service (GDS) supporting the digital transformation of UK Government.

Jaynesh has a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayneshpatel/

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Sophie Greaves

Sophie Greaves

Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK

Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.

Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.

Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2038
Twitter:
@SJMJames1
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/

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Matthew Wild

Matthew Wild

Programme Assistant - Markets, techUK

Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2000

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