The shared access licence is part of a new framework for enabling shared use of spectrum, aiming to make it easier for people and businesses to access spectrum for a wide range of local wireless connectivity applications.
The shared access licence is currently available in four spectrum bands which support mobile technology:
- 1800 MHz band: 1781.7 to 1785 MHz paired with 1876.7 to 1880 MHz;
- 2300 MHz band: 2320 to 2340 MHz and 2390 to 2400 Mhz;
- 3800 to 4200 MHz band; and
- 24.25-27.5 GHz.
Two types of licences are available:
- Low power licence. This authorises users to deploy as many base stations as they require within a circular area with a radius of 50 metres as well as the associated fixed, nomadic or mobile terminals connected to the base stations operating within the area.
- Medium power licence. This authorises a single base station and the associated fixed, nomadic or mobile terminals connected to the base station.
Our shared access guidance (PDF 1.2 KB) includes details on licence fees, the application process, and licence terms and conditions. The shared access licences we issue are published in our spectrum information portal.
- Use our licensing portal to apply for a new or manage your existing Shared Access licence.
- Online mapping tool for spectrum availability in 3.8-4.2 GHz (launched November 2024)
Antenna Library updates
If you are applying for a Shared Access Medium power licence on the Ofcom licensing portal and do not find the required Omni antenna gain for your needs, please contact spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk with the relevant information so we can update the library.
Omni antenna gains must be in following ranges for the required bands:
| Frequency Bands | Omni antenna gain range |
|---|---|
| 1.8 & 3.8-4.2 GHz | 0-16 dBi |
| 26 GHz | 16-29 dBi |
We have also recently made decisions to introduce a number of further enhancements to our Shared Access framework. More detail can be found [here]. This includes a plan to expand this antenna library for 3.8-4.2 GHz in the coming months, to include more directional antenna patterns.
The same annual licence fee applies for both low power or medium power licences. This is £80 in the 1800 MHz band, £80 per 10 MHz in the 2300 MHz and 3.8 to 4.2 GHz band and £80 per 100 MHz in the 26 GHz band.
This table shows the annual licence fee for the different channel sizes.
|
Channel size |
Price per channel |
|---|---|
|
2x3.3 MHz |
£80 |
|
10 MHz |
£80 |
|
20 MHz |
£160 |
|
30 MHz |
£240 |
|
40 MHz |
£320 |
|
50 MHz |
£400 |
|
60 MHz |
£480 |
|
80 MHz |
£640 |
|
100 MHz |
£800 |
For the 26 GHz band, the annual licence is £80 up to 100 MHz then additional £80 per 100 MHz up to 800 MHz.
|
Channel size |
Price per channel |
|---|---|
|
50 MHz |
£80 |
|
100 MHz |
£80 |
|
200 MHz |
£160 |
|
400 MHz |
£320 |
|
800 MHz |
£640 |
Short-term licences of less than one year in the 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, 3.8 to 4.2 GHz and the 26 GHz will be priced on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum cost of £32 per licence.
On 9 December 2019, the spectrum 1781.7-1785.0 MHz paired with 1876.7-1880.0 MHz was incorporated into the new Shared Access licence product.
All former Concurrent licences were either surrendered as of that date, or varied to reflect the new technical assignment criteria. Three licensees with active deployments have had their data migrated into new Shared Access licences.
Those licensees who did not opt to surrender their unused licences retain licence documents, however with no assignments recorded. Any future applications for new deployments will be processed under the Shared Access arrangements.