More Wi-Fi, better mobile phone coverage and smarter infrastructure
UKGI runs the Public Sector Spectrum Release Programme through the Central Management Unit (CMU) on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). The government’s target is to release 750MHz of spectrum by 2022. CMU works with government departments, partners and Ofcom to facilitate the release of spectrum from the public to the private sector, to enable economic growth. ‘Smart motorways’, driverless cars, and better mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity on trains are just some of the possible uses for the released spectrum.
So far, nearly 400MHz have been released with plans for the sale of more in the future. Around 190MHz of spectrum will shortly be auctioned by Ofcom for mobile phones. This sale is expected to realise a significant receipt for government.