Ofcom has launched a consultation on proposals for ‘short notice, short duration licences’ in the 2320-2340 MHz band. 

The proposals follow the Shared Access Review last year which found that that was significant interest for short notice and temporary access to spectrum, for example to cover breaking news events and sports coverage with 5G equipment. As the consultation explains, Ofcom’s current support for short notice licences is largely provided through its programme-making and special events (PMSE) licences, and already some PSME use is authorised across the 2310-2350 MHz band, for example during Glastonbury and the London Marathon. 

However, Ofcom proposes to open the band further for other ‘short notice, short duration’ uses in order to meet demand. According to the consultation, such licences would be available to “the PMSE community and any other users meeting the required conditions” and last up to 14 days at a cost of £56 per 10 MHz for each 48 hours. Various other parameter specifications are set out in the consultation, as is advice for users already using the band for managing any risks as a result of these changes.

Ofcom also proposes to issue these new licenses through a “simplified coordination process” (the details of which are set out) that it expects will take no more than three working days. 

Subject to the response to its consultation, Ofcom indicates that it envisages making a Statement on its decision by the end of this year, and offering the proposed new licences for use in the first half of 2026. 

The consultation is open until 2 September, and it can be read in full here.