Ofcom has set its sights on increasing capacity for mobile broadband use and making it easier for people to choose digital TV services.
The regulator predicts mobile broadband demands could be 45 times higher than they are today, so it will be protecting spectrum to ensure there's capacity for everyone to access internet on the move.
The organisation wants to, "help mobile network operators meet increasing demand for access to mobile data for 4G on smartphones, tablets and potentially next generation mobile services," by ensuring they lower prices and can offer faster network speeds for businesses and consumers across the UK.
At the moment, the 700 MHz frequency band of spectrum is reserved for digital TV services and wireless microphones, but Ofcom wants to switch this to be a mobile broadband frequency by 2022, if not earlier.
The digital TV and wireless microphone frequency will be moved to another part of the spectrum, but Ofcom wants to ensure there won't be the need for another digital switchover as there was between 2008 and 2012 in the UK.
Although Ofcom hasn't specified how it will ensure there's enough spare spectrum for wireless microphones, such as theatres, sports venues and music events which also use the 700MHz band, it promises services won't be disrupted and "continue to have the airwaves needed to deliver their important cultural benefits."
Ed Richards, Ofcom's CEO, said: "Ofcom's role is to ensure the UK makes the best and most efficient use of its airwaves, which is vital to enable UK's digital economy to meet consumers' needs.
"Our plans will allow digital terrestrial TV to thrive, while ensuring the UK's mobile infrastructure can support consumer demand and economic growth. We also recognise the important role the PMSE sector plays in the cultural life of the nation."
Last year, Ofcom identified some additional bands that could be used for increasing the capacity of mobile broadband, allowing for wider 4G and even 5G coverage in the future.
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