Research and analysis

Ensuring optimal value from spectrum

Research report assessing the economic value of spectrum and examining future demand.

Documents

Details

This research was carried out by Frontier Economics and LS telcom for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Radio spectrum is increasingly important to a range of sectors, both private and public. This research was commissioned to help better understand how to maximise the overall value of spectrum to the UK. Specifically, the study attempts to:

  • assess the value of spectrum to a range of different sectors and applications, from mobile communications and broadcasting to maritime transport and space science
  • examine trends and drivers of demand for spectrum, and forecast future demand for radio spectrum by sector over the next five to fifteen years
  • identify future challenges to ensuring spectrum in the UK is optimally used and allocated
  • examine policies which could be implemented in the UK to improve the optimal value and use of spectrum

The research was conducted until May 2022 and therefore does not take into account more recent developments.

Since producing this report, responsibility for Digital Infrastructure has moved to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Published 11 April 2023