Ofcom has been “consulting on a blueprint” for how the mobile data demands of the UK will be met in the next 20 years. During the process the telecoms regulator has identified several new wireless communications infrastructure boosting possibilities which could provide 25 times more mobile data capacity between now and 2030. Ofcom is already currently working on freeing up the spectrum available for mobile data in conjunction with the MoD, potentially rearranging digital terrestrial TV bands and the use of inter-regional TV white spaces.
“The demands for mobile data will only increase as millions more wireless devices connect to the internet and each other,” said Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive. “We’re looking at ways to use spectrum more efficiently and consider future releases of prime spectrum. By doing so, we can help to meet the significant demands placed on our wireless infrastructure and develop one of the world’s leading digital economies.”
As mentioned in the introduction, Ofcom hopes to provide 25 times more commercially available mobile data capacity over the next two decades. The spectrum it has identified is “approximately seven times the amount of spectrum released as part of the 4G auction”. This extra spectrum alongside mobile tech improvements and innovations like 5G and white space network usage will provide the 25X capacity boost according to Ofcom calculations.
What bands has Ofcom already identified for possible future mobile data usage?
- 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands: Ofcom is working with the government to move this spectrum from Ministry of Defence (MoD) exclusive usage to commercial use. The auction for this space could be in 2015-16.
- 700 MHz band: This band could be made available by rearranging the bands used for digital terrestrial TV
- White spaces: A pilot to test the use of inter-regional TV station white spaces will take place in over the next six months. Around 20 organisations will be participating in the Ofcom trials.
- Others: The 2.7GHz radar band could be tweaked to release 100 MHz of spectrum and the 3.6GHz band used for satellites links could also be of use for mobile services.
"Can you call me back? I'm low on credit."
The above list isn’t exhaustive but “illustrative of the type of bands that could be used in the future for mobile broadband. They are part of a wider list of bands that have been identified, all of which are being considered equally,” says Ofcom.
