On 26 September, from 14:00 to 16:00 BST, the UK Spectrum Policy Forum will be hosting an open workshop on the study on vertical requirements in 3.8-4.2 GHz. During the workshop, Analysys Mason will present their preliminary findings and give the chance for the wider SPF community to offer views and input.
The topics covered will include:
- Industry verticals’ requirements and the spectrum landscape across Europe – Koen Mioulet, EUWENA
- Shared Access Licensing and inputs from the West Midlands testbed – Andy Welch, Cartesian
- Progress status and debated topics in the CEPT regulatory discussions for the 3.8-4.2 GHz band - Theodoros Spathopoulos, Nokia
- Demand on certain use cases and verticals - Saul Friedner, LStelcom
The research study commissioned by the SPF will examine the specific requirements of vertical use-cases within the 3.8-4.2 GHz band, as well exploring potential improvements to the UK framework to better serve the industry's needs and encourage wider adoption. Moreover, the outcomes of this research project are anticipated to provide valuable insights for ongoing discussions in CEPT regarding the connectivity needs of vertical applications.
In the UK, Ofcom has been actively addressing the demand for spectrum to deploy 5G solutions through the implementation of the shared access licences framework, which includes opening the 3.8-4.2 GHz band. As of now, there are more than 1,500 low and medium power licences issued across the 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz shared bands in the UK. The use of these bands has been instrumental in enabling a wide range of activity relevant to the UK Government's 5G Test Beds and Trials programme.
In December 2021 the EC published a Mandate to CEPT to assess the shared use of the band 3.8-4.2 GHz for 5G solutions to serve innovative business models for locally licensed access to spectrum. Using the UK framework as the basis, CEPT aims to explore and identify to what extend the technical conditions in the 3.8-4.2 GHz band can be further improved, enabling additional flexibility for administrations to address the specific needs of their vertical industries.
This workshop will take place in a hybrid format.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.