About the Ofcom Spectrum Information Service

Through this site, Ofcom aims to provide a range of information about spectrum licences and authorisations that is useful to spectrum users, equipment manufacturers and those interested in Spectrum Trading. It also provides information about Ofcom's other initiatives for liberalising the use of the radio spectrum.

This information can be broken down into a four different areas concerning:

• the regulatory framework;
• individual rights of use and transmitter information;
• technical requirements for equipment; and
• how spectrum can be traded.

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The regulatory framework

Radio spectrum is managed at several broad geographic levels, globally via the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), at a European level via European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the European Union (EU), and at national level by Ofcom and the Ministry of Defence.

For information on Ofcom's approach to international spectrum policy and information on other international bodies please see the International Spectrum Policy page. Information regarding spectrum use in other European countries can be found on the ERO Frequency Information System (EFIS).

The UK Frequency Allocation Table (UKFAT)

The UK Frequency Allocation Table (UKFAT) covers the radio spectrum from 9 kHz to 275 GHz. The table identifies whether Ofcom, the Ministry of Defence, or another Government department or Agency is responsible for the management of frequency bands or services.

The structure of the UKFAT is based on the ITU's Table of Frequency Allocations and, where appropriate, includes the provisions of the European Table of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations.

View the UK Frequency Allocation Table 2007
View a graphical representation of the UKFAT (pdf provided by Roke Manor Research Ltd)

This document is updated periodically in light of future spectrum policy decisions.

The UK Plan for Frequency Allocation (UKPFA)

The UK Plan for Frequency Allocation (UKPFA) provides contextual information about the frequencies which are available for assignment, the purposes for which the different frequencies have been allocated and whether these can be traded.

View the UKPFA

Individual rights of use and transmitter locations

The Wireless Telegraphy Act Register (WTR) provides basic information about individual licences such as contact names and address details, class of licence, band(s) of frequencies and where relevant geographic area of operation. At present, information is limited to licences that can be traded.

The WTR is not conclusive evidence of title. While every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information provided in the WTR is accurate, no guarantees for the currency or accuracy of information are made.

View the WTR

Technical information

View information on radio interface technical requirements for equipment

View information relating to equipment compliance with the R&TTE Directive

Spectrum trading

Ofcom introduced spectrum trading on 23rd December 2004, enabling holders of certain Wireless Telegraphy Act licences to transfer all or part of their rights and obligations under the licences to another party. For more information about spectrum trading click here. To search for tradable licences, see the WTR.

The Transfer Notification Register (TNR) displays details of proposed trades notified to Ofcom, trades in progress and completed trades.

View the TNR