Laying the foundations for next generation mobile services

Ofcom is working to enable future mobile services, including ‘5G’ - the fifth generation of mobile services, whilst taking account of other users of spectrum. 5G networks are expected to comprise a number of different elements, each with different spectrum requirements. Spectrum at frequencies both below and above 6 GHz is expected to be relevant.

This document provides an update on our 5G work considering bands above 6 GHz. It summarises the responses to the Call for Input (CFI) that we published in January, sets out our current views on bands and outlines next steps.

Having considered the responses to the CFI and other developments, we believe it is desirable to identify specific potential bands above 6 GHz to help focus an agenda item for the World Radio Communication Conference in 2019 (WRC-19) and to maximise the potential for international harmonisation of 5G spectrum.

We have therefore identified a preliminary set of bands in different parts of the 6 - 100 GHz range that we currently believe offer the best potential for use in the UK and harmonisation of 5G mobile services globally. This approach will also allow for the technical uncertainties present at this early stage in 5G development.

This does not guarantee that these bands will be adopted in the future and we do not rule out consideration of other options ahead of WRC-15, pending further developments and research.

We will now take forward the bands we have identified in forthcoming international discussions, including the relevant European preparatory meetings for WRC-15 at which the scope of a future WRC-19 agenda item on bands above 6 GHz will be considered.