mmWave
On 16 and 17 September 2025 we will accept applications to participate in the auction of licences authorising use of 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum in ‘High Density Areas’. We then expect to begin the principal stage of the auction in October 2025. All updates and notices relating to the auction will be published on our page “mmWave auction”. For details on our consultations and decisions, please see our page “Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses”.
1.4 GHz
The 1492-1517 MHz frequency block within the 1.4 GHz band has been identified for mobile use, and on 4 February 2025 we published on consultation on our plans for awarding this spectrum by auction.
All of our publications relating to the 1.4 GHz award are available on our page “Award of 1492-1517 MHz spectrum for mobile services”
| Award | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz | Completed | 2021 |
| 2.3 GHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz | Completed | 2018 |
| 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz | Completed | 2014 |
| 600 MHz Award | Completed | 2013 |
| 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz | Completed | 2013 |
| 790 - 862 MHz | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) | 2009 |
| 2500-2690 MHz (with 2010 -2025 MHz) | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award). Also see 2010-2025 MHz | 2009 |
| 542 550 MHz (Licence covering Cardiff area) | Completed | 2008 |
| 758 766 MHz Manchester area | Completed | 2008 |
| 1452-1492 MHz (L Band) | Completed | 2008 |
| Digital Dividend Review | Closed (superseded by 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz combined award) | 2008 |
| 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz | Completed | 2007 |
| 1785-1805 MHz in Northern Ireland | Completed | 2007 |
| 412-414 MHz/422-424 MHz | Completed | 2006 |
| 1781.7-1785 MHz/1876.7-1880 MHz (GSM/ DECT guard bands) | Completed | 2006 |
| 3.4GHz Fixed Wireless Access | Completed | 2003 |
| 28GHz Broadband Fixed Wireless Access | Completed | 2000 |
| Third Generation (3G) Mobile | Completed | 2000 |
mmWave Auction
Published: 3 September 2025
Last updated: 17 September 2025
On 16 and 17 September 2025 we will accept applications to participate in the auction of licences authorising use of 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum in ‘High Density Areas’. We then expect to begin the principal stage of the auction in October 2025. All updates and notices relating to the auction will be published on this page.
Enabling mmWave spectrum for new uses
Published: 16 April 2024
Last updated: 11 September 2025
We have set out the design of the auction for awarding citywide licences for the mmWave spectrum and invite evidence on whether to include a negotiation period in the assignment stage.
Unlocking mmWave spectrum to boost mobile services for UK users
Published: 3 September 2025
From late September 2025 we will accept applications to bid in the auction for licences to use 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum (known as ‘mmWave’ spectrum).
Consultation: Award of the 1492-1517 MHz spectrum for mobile services
Published: 18 October 2023
Last updated: 11 August 2025
We have published our consultation setting out our proposals to auction the upper block of the 1.4 GHz band (1492-1517 MHz) for 4G and 5G mobile use.
Award of 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum by auction
Published: 5 May 2021
Last updated: 8 November 2024
The 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz frequency bands are being awarded by auction. The frequency bands are likely to be used by mobile network operators to deliver a range of services, including 5G mobile.
A guide to Ofcom's forthcoming 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum auction
Published: 10 March 2021
Last updated: 10 March 2024
This week Ofcom is launching the latest spectrum auction, which will result in better mobile services and better access to 5G technology.
Ofcom confirms plans for 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum auction next year
Published: 8 March 2020
Last updated: 5 January 2024
Ofcom has today confirmed plans to auction important airwaves to help improve mobile broadband and support the rollout of 5G.
Ofcom 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum auction: final results announced
Published: 27 April 2021
Last updated: 3 July 2023
Ofcom has today announced the final results of the auction for spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands, following completion of the remaining stages.
Ofcom 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum auction: principal stage results
Published: 17 March 2021
Last updated: 3 July 2023
Ofcom has announced the outcome of the principal stage of its auction to release more airwaves to improve mobile services and support 5G.
700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz auction – stakeholder Q&A
Published: 30 March 2021
Last updated: 17 March 2023