60 GHz spectrum Ofcom Plan

Ofcom announces plans to release new 60 GHz spectrum to enable 5G use cases – particularly those that require high capacity and very low latency.

21:30 17 July 2018

Ofcom has outlined plans to release new 60 GHz spectrum that will enable 5G use cases. The agency’s report confirms that it will take immediate steps to enable license-exempt access to 14 GHz of spectrum in 60 GHz band and make new spectrum available at 66-71 GHz, which can support 5G use cases for mobile/portable equipment.

 

The report notes: “We will focus our policy efforts on continuing to enable growth in the fixed wireless services sector taking into account the changes in spectrum use and requirements by other services. We will do this by providing access to spectrum in ways that enables uses that provide the most benefits to citizens and consumers.

 

“This will include the appropriate international frameworks and negotiating at an international level to achieve our objectives. We will also continue to monitor developments in this sector to understand where we may need to take further action in the future.”

 

Ofcom plans to release new 60 GHz spectrum were made based on the results of a series of consultation with network operators, small and medium-sized enterprises and stakeholders.