Proposed approach to expiring spectrum licences

Spectrum licences across the 700 MHz, 850 MHz (original band and downshift), 1800 MHz, 2 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands are due to expire between 2028 and 2032.

We are responsible for considering whether to renew these expiring spectrum licences (ESL) and the appropriate arrangements for the affected spectrum.

In addition to the ESL process, we are also seeking feedback on proposed public interest criteria and approaches to examining use under spectrum licences.

In our Draft five-year spectrum outlook 2023–28, we stated that we would begin consultation on ESLs in Q2 2023, 5 years ahead of the expiry date of the first set of affected licences in June 2028 (that is, ESLs in the original 850 MHz band and 1800 MHz band).

This will be the first ESL process conducted since changes were made to the Radiocommunications Act 1992 in 2020 that changed how renewal of ESLs is conducted, requiring a new approach to be developed.

This consultation paper, available above in PDF and Word versions, seeks views on our suggested:

• 4-stage process for considering arrangements for ESLs
• public interest criteria
• issues that should be considered as part of this ESL process
• approaches to examining use under spectrum licence.

Find out more about our process for expiring spectrum licences.