Unlocking mmWave Spectrum to Boost Mobile Services Ofcom Consultation – 2025

mmWave spectrum will unlock ultra-fast, high-capacity 5G and pave the way for 6G innovation in cities, stadiums, and transport hubs.

Until now, the UK’s 5G rollout has largely built on existing 4G macrocell networks, delivering incremental capacity improvements rather than the full promise of 5G.  

Ofcom’s latest plans to release mmWave spectrum mark a step change: by unlocking ultra-high-capacity services, they create the potential for transformative applications in dense urban centres, stadiums, and transport hubs. However, the business case for small-cell deployment remains challenging.  

Intelligens Consulting has highlighted on many occasions, it is not enough to provide asset lists, access agreements, or coverage maps. The real change catalyst is demand - compelling use-cases that drive data consumption and revenue. Without that demand, mobile operators will not invest at scale in small-cell 5G. 

What’s happening? 

Ofcom has launched plans to release millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum in the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands to accelerate the UK’s next wave of mobile services. Licences are expected to be made available from 2025/26, supporting high-capacity 5G and laying the foundation for 6G innovation. 

Why now? 

• Data demand is surging – urban hotspots (city centres, stadiums, transport hubs) are already experiencing congestion. 

  
  

• New applications emerging – immersive AR/VR, industrial IoT, AI-driven analytics and connected transport require ultra-fast, low-latency networks. 

  
  

• Policy pressure – the UK Government wants to ensure world-leading connectivity and competitiveness. 

  
  

What does mmWave enable? 

• Gigabit speeds and very low latency for users and businesses. 

  
  

• Dense small-cell networks improving capacity in busy areas. 

  
  

• Enterprise/private networks for campuses, transport hubs, and industry. 

  
  

• Innovation testbeds for advanced 5G/6G use cases. 

  
  

Why it matters to you 

• Local Authorities – rollouts will require access to street furniture, planning flexibilities, and integrated strategies for “smart place” infrastructure. 

  
  

• Investors/Operators – business models need to balance high spectrum/capex costs against short-range coverage and demand concentration. 

  
  

• Enterprises – mmWave opens opportunities for tailored local licences to deliver ultra-high performance private networks. 

  
  

• Policy & Strategy – spectrum release timing should inform digital strategies, procurement planning, and funding bids. 

  
  

How Intelligens Consulting can help 

• Strategic advice: Aligning mmWave rollout with fibre, IoT, and wider digital transformation. 

  
  

• Business cases: Evaluating investment viability and ROI in high-demand locations. 

  
  

• Procurement support: Structuring partnerships between councils, operators, and suppliers. 

  
  

• Innovation workshops: Exploring use-cases that deliver value for communities, businesses, and government. 

  
  

Next Steps 

Ofcom’s spectrum release will only translate into real benefits if there is a clear demand signal. Councils, enterprises, and investors should begin shaping use-cases that stimulate data traffic and justify small-cell investment. Intelligens Consulting can help identify these opportunities, build compelling business cases, and align them with broader digital strategies—ensuring that mmWave investment delivers tangible outcomes in growth, efficiency, and community value. 

Iqbal Singh Bedi, Managing Partner, Email: info@intelligensconsulting.com | Website: www.intelligensconsulting.com