Mobile Spectrum
In October 2025, the UK telecoms regulator Ofcom concluded a major auction allowing the three main mobile networks to each acquire 800 MHz of spectrum in the 26GHz band and 1GHz in the 40GHz band, with each operator committing to pay £13 million for their share. This investment underscores how operators are preparing for the next phase of 5G and, ultimately, setting the stage for more reliable, faster mobile connectivity for customers.
From a customer perspective the auction may sound very technical, but it has direct implications for your mobile experience. The new spectrum bands are particularly suited to high‑density environments, airports, stadiums, train stations and city centres where large numbers of users try to connect at once. According to Ofcom the auctioned spectrum will help mobile services in 68 towns and cities across the UK. What that means in practice is fewer drop‑outs, less congestion, faster download and streaming speeds and improved quality of calls and video in busy places.
When a mobile network operator commits significant funds to spectrum like this, it reflects an acknowledgement that customers expect more than just basic voice and data. You may already have noticed that streaming HD videos, gaming, video‑calling and working remotely on your phone demand more from the network than ever before. The extra spectrum gives the operator more “space in the air” to send and receive data without interference. With each user device not fighting so hard for bandwidth, the network becomes more reliable.
Reliability is key. It is one thing for a network to advertise “5G”, but quite another for the service to consistently perform wherever you are, commuting, in a crowded event or outside your home. The spectrum auction means operators are better equipped to address congested areas and provide coverage in places where standard network bands might struggle. According to commentary the £39 million total raised from the auction gives the network operators fresh capacity to deploy 5G in locations that were previously weaker or overcrowded.
For customers this should translate into a few tangible benefits. First, improved capacity in peak times means fewer slowdowns when lots of people are online together. Second, improved coverage in dense venues means you are less likely to lose signal or suffer lag during key moments. Third, investing in spectrum means the operator is taking a long‑term view of the network, signaling that they are planning ahead rather than simply waiting until problems arise. For you as a user, that means you may expect fewer frustrations and better consistency.
Another important customer‑centric reason for this investment is competition. When multiple operators vie to improve their network quality, that can drive innovation, better customer service and improved performance. The fact that multiple operators each paid the same £13 million shows that the playing field is being updated for all major players, thus giving customers more options for high‑quality service rather than variation by one dominate actor.
Of course, spectrum investment is not the only piece of the puzzle, customers still need compatible devices, good indoor coverage and effective network design. But the foundation has to be there. When your mobile phone gives you a “5G” icon, but the speed or reliability let you down, that testifies to limitations in infrastructure. The auction shows the infrastructure is being strengthened. As industry analysts note, the infrastructure upgrades will particularly help in high‑density environments where traffic growth is steep and traditional bands are under pressure.
In summary, the £13 million pay‑in by each of the major mobile network operators for new 5G spectrum is more than a headline number, it is a sign of their commitment to enhance capacity, performance and reliability in the areas where customers need it most. As networks expand their capacity, customers can expect fewer dropouts, better speeds, and a smoother mobile experience. These upgrades show that the race for reliable, high-performance mobile service is ongoing, and customers are set to gain the benefits.
Customers should expect to start seeing the benefits of the 5G spectrum investments in two phases. Firstly, network operators can begin deploying infrastructure using the newly‑licensed spectrum in priority areas, such as busy city centres, transport hubs and event venues. Customers will then start to have fewer drop‑outs, higher peak‑time speeds and better performance in crowded areas. Secondly, the network operators will roll out gradually as operators build out small cells, upgrade backhaul networks and optimise devices and software.
That means for many users the enhanced experience may become noticeable around the mid‑2026 timeframe, with further coverage and capacity gains continuing beyond that. With these investments underway, customers can look forward to faster, more reliable mobile connections and a smoother experience wherever they go.
