Following a study undertaken by Coleago Consulting on behalf of the UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UK SPF), a new report, Future of the UHF Band After 2034: an analysis of options in the UK, has been published to assess how the 470–694 MHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band can be optimally managed once current Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) licenses expire in 2034.
The band is currently essential for DTT, Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) and mobile communications in the UK, but the study indicated no single future scenario will meet the needs of all stakeholders.
With DTT a primary source of television access for nearly half of UK households – especially vulnerable groups – policy decisions will need to be carefully balanced to manage the risk of digital exclusion, said the report.
Exploring five potential future scenarios, the report assesses each option based on technical feasibility, economic implications, impact on PMSE and its potential to free up spectrum for future mobile broadband services, particularly in the IMT600 band.
The report suggests a number of policy recommendations, each aimed at minimising disruption while optimising the use of the UHF spectrum.
These include:
- Dynamic spectrum sharing between mobile and PMSE, especially in rural zones.
- Investment in fixed broadband to alleviate mobile network strain.
- Modernisation of DTT, including upgrades to efficient technologies (MPEG-4, HEVC, VVC, SFNs).
- International coordination with European spectrum frameworks.
Options such as transitioning to DVB-T2, improving coding efficiency and restructuring multiplex licensing models are considered as part of a technical and economic viability study into DTT network upgrades and potential spectrum reallocation.
The study aims to set the groundwork for “strategic, balanced and inclusive decisions” about the future of the band, positioning the UK as a leader in spectrum efficiency while safeguarding public and economic interests. The full report is available to download here.
