A spokesperson explained, “The utilities sector’s communication needs are growing. The biggest changes are being driven by the electricity sector transforming to support net zero, which is seeing fundamental shifts in how power is generated and used. While there are various options for meeting these communication needs, a private wide area network might require access to additional spectrum.
“At this stage we are not making any specific proposals to change the use of any of these bands but aiming to improve understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the potential candidate bands across stakeholders.”
The regulator is exploring the below spectrum bands:
- 400 MHz (Northern Ireland only): 410-412 MHz paired with 420-422 MHz; 412-414 MHz paired with 422-424 MHz
- 450 MHz: within 450-470 MHz, part or all of 451-456 MHz / 461-466 MHz or 452.5-457.5 MHz / 462.5-467.5 MHz
- 700 MHz: 733-736 MHz paired with 788-791 MHz
- 800/900 MHz (Northern Ireland only): 876-880 MHz paired with 921-925 MHz
- 1900 MHz: 1900-1920 MHz
Responses can be submitted online here. The call for input closes on 7 September 2023.