Ofcom’s mmWave Auction: A Game-Changer for UK 5G Connectivity

The UK is set to take a major step forward in improving its 5G infrastructure with Ofcom’s upcoming auction of mmWave spectrum. Taking place on September 16-17, 2025, this event represents the largest release of spectrum in the regulator’s history, with a massive 5.4 GHz of bandwidth spanning the 26 GHz and 40 GHz frequency bands. This auction could drastically enhance speeds and capacity in the UK’s most high-demand areas, tackling slow connections in urban centers, stadiums, and transport hubs.

Opening the Fast Lane for 5G Performance

The mmWave spectrum being auctioned is essentially the digital equivalent of adding more lanes to a congested motorway. It’s specifically designed to address high-traffic areas where mobile data connections typically struggle, such as bustling city centers, shopping malls, and crowded event venues. According to Ofcom, these airwaves aim to unlock the full potential of 5G, delivering lightning-fast multi-gigabit speeds and significantly boosting network capacity.

Luke Kehoe, an industry analyst at Ookla, highlights the significance of this auction not just for the UK but for Europe as a whole. He sees it as a rekindling of interest in mmWave technology at a time when European advancements in 5G have faced some challenges. By offering a single license that covers all 68 major data-demand hubs in the UK, Ofcom has adopted an innovative approach. This framework could accelerate the rollout as it allows operators to efficiently target multiple sites under one license, streamlining deployments for neutral hosts and multi-venue providers.

Hyper-Local Solutions Rather than Nationwide Coverage

While this development marks an exciting leap forward, it’s important to set realistic expectations. mmWave technology isn’t intended to cover entire regions but is better suited for hyper-localized deployments. Countries that are already ahead in mmWave adoption typically use it in specific venues and high-traffic areas. For instance, you might experience the benefits of this technology at a football stadium, an airport terminal, or an urban hotspot, but not while traveling through rural areas. This precision-focused model ensures optimal performance where it’s needed most without spreading resources too thin.

However, a significant challenge remains in the adoption of mmWave-ready devices. Right now, many Europe-sold smartphones, including iPhones and numerous Android models, lack mmWave compatibility. As Kehoe explains, this limits immediate usage to enterprise devices and customer premises equipment (CPE) rather than everyday consumer devices. While the infrastructure will soon be in place, it may take time for the device market to catch up with these advancements.

A Look Ahead: The Future of UK 5G

Despite current limitations, Ofcom’s mmWave auction is laying the groundwork for a future where ultra-fast 5G becomes a reality in high-demand settings. Operators will look to leverage this newly available spectrum to improve connectivity in areas where it’s most needed, ensuring that the UK stays competitive in global 5G innovation. Kehoe predicts that enterprise solutions and managed networks will be the initial beneficiaries, paving the way for consumer-wide adoption in the years to come.

As telecom providers gear up to bid on these valuable airwaves, all eyes will be on who secures the licenses and how quickly they can deploy this cutting-edge technology. For now, this auction signals a bright future for tackling slow 5G connections and enhancing the digital experience in the UK’s busiest areas.