Questions from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
Digital Infrastructure - Technological convergence
Given changing TV viewer habits (online vs terrestrial TV), how can the use of the remaining Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) spectrum be optimised? What is the potential of incentivising more spectrally efficient technology (e.g. Digital Video Broadcasting — Second Generation Terrestrial or ‘DVB-T2’) and enabling increased access for mobile services while facilitating a sustainable future for DTT (albeit with a reduced set of channels). Note: this work will need to be coordinated with DCMS and its planned DTT viewing and policy reviews.
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Technological convergence
Given that Wi-Fi is the go-to access method between fibre to the premises (and Gigabit capability) and user devices: (i) identify options for future evolution of Wi-Fi technologies and network architecture in premises (domestic and business) that will match the data capacity of fibre? (ii) what are the spectrum implications and options for transitioning to the desirable spectrum requirements (e.g. using spectrum above 50 GHz or LiFi).
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Technological convergence
What are the economic trade-offs of achieving capacity improvements in mobile networks over the coming decade? How does achieving this exclusively through increased use of spectrum compare to network densification? In comparing strengths and weaknesses, what might be an optimal combination of both?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Technological convergence
There are legitimate but competing demands for access to the Upper 6GHz band by proponents of Wi-Fi and mobile services both internationally and in the UK. What are the advantages/disadvantages to the UK of an allocation favouring mobile or Wi-Fi compared to a hybrid option, which enables access but with limitations to both services?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Spectrum allocation and management mechanisms
Given the focus towards higher frequency bands and increasing competing demand from new and incumbent users, is a different model accommodating shared use of spectrum needed? What is the best mechanism for promoting shared use of spectrum?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Spectrum allocation and management mechanisms
How effective have market mechanisms been in enabling efficient and effective use of spectrum, compared to the objectives when they were introduced? How do the UK’s spectrum allocation mechanisms compare to the rest of the world? What best practices for allocation can be adopted in the UK?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Spectrum allocation and management mechanisms
Evaluate current spectrum annual licence fees: (i) do they effectively promote efficient allocation and use of spectrum? (ii) do they materially inhibit operator ability to invest in network upgrades? (iii) What lessons can be drawn from international practice, particularly on how charging for spectrum and network investment and coverage interact?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - Spectrum allocation and management mechanisms
Given the expected changes in future network deployments and upcoming consideration of spectrum bands: (i) what are the most efficient methods of allocating spectrum to maximise social and economic benefits? (ii) is the current framework of market mechanisms (auctions, trading, Administered Incentive Pricing (AIP) based licence fees) likely to continue maximising social benefits or will they need updating?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - High capacity fixed and wireless networks adoption
To what extent can existing rail and roadside infrastructure be used to support or deliver expanded mobile coverage across the UK? What innovative business models might promote improved coverage in road and rail corridors?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024
Digital Infrastructure - High capacity fixed and wireless networks adoption
What changes should we expect to see in the next decade both domestically and internationally in regard to the technological, commercial, and regulatory landscapes of the mobile market?
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, 2024