Consultation: Proposal to amend the Mobile Trading Regulations

Proposal to amend the Mobile Trading Regulations  

We charge Annual Licence Fees (“ALFs”) for use of spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. The Regulations which require payment of ALFs provide that a licensee becomes liable for a year’s worth of ALFs if it holds the relevant spectrum licence on the ‘fee payment date’, even if it subsequently trades the spectrum in the same payment cycle. We allow licensees to pay that ALF in 12 monthly instalments. In addition, there is currently a provision in the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) Regulations 2011 (the “Mobile Trading Regulations”) that requires a licensee who has opted to pay in instalments, to pay an entire years’ worth of these ALFs upfront before it can trade spectrum in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands. 

We understand that these two requirements can require a licensee to bring forward payment of potentially significant sums before a trade, which we understand can amount to a barrier to trading of spectrum. We consider it important to remove barriers to such trading where possible. Therefore, having considered feedback we outlined in our July 2025 statement, we are proposing to amend the Mobile Trading Regulations to remove the requirement to pay all fees due for use of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum before a trade.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the response form no later than 5pm 12th September 2025.