As 5G rollouts continue across the world, regulators are seeking to auction new, high-frequency spectrums classified as millimetre-wave (mmWave). After much consideration, Ofcom has ruled in 2023 it will make mmWave spectrum available across the UK to improve data capacity and speeds, and boost innovation across various industries.
These frequencies have long been seen as impractical, as they offer far weaker building penetration than mid-band 5G and are inherently short-range. But due to the vast speed and capacity improvements achievable, the coming years will see 5G mmWave become ubiquitous across the UK 5G network, and used widely by enterprises.
