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 MB) 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.
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- 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 |
Directional antenna for the 3.8-4.2 GHz band:
To improve spectrum supply and increase the chances of applications being approved we have implemented directional antennas into our library. Our antenna library is populated with generic antennas based on antenna patterns generated by Recommendation ITU-R Rec F.1336-5 for the 3.8-4.2 GHz band. Further information can be found in our July 2024 statement and consultation.
Shared Access Directional Antenna Library.xlxs
Please Note: the antenna library has been designed to offer applicants the option to select from a small number of directional patterns. We are aware that the antenna library may not provide a pattern that is exactly as you plan to implement, but if the antenna pattern you plan to use sits within one of these options, selecting this over the previously compulsory omni antenna may improve the outcome of our co-ordination assessment.
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. For the 1.8 GHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz bands urban fees apply where the station is located within an urban area, this is defined in the Shared Access Technical Frequency Assignment Criteria.
This table shows the annual licence fee for the different channel sizes in rural locations in the 1.8 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz bands.
| Channel size | Price per channel (rural) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
This table shows the annual licence fee for the different channel sizes in urban locations in the 1.8 GHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz bands.
| Channel size | Price per channel (urban) |
|---|---|
| 2x3.3 MHz | £160 |
| 10 MHz | £160 |
| 20 MHz | £320 |
| 30 MHz | £480 |
| 40 MHz | £640 |
| 50 MHz | £800 |
| 60 MHz | £960 |
| 80 MHz | £1,280 |
| 100 MHz | £1,600 |
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.