Ofcom has refreshed the UK’s licence‑exempt spectrum rules, adding new allowances for 5.8GHz fixed wireless, autonomous maritime radios and indoor coastal radio training. The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 were made on 8 April 2026 and take effect on 29 April 2026. For telecom SMEs, maritime tech vendors and WISPs, the shift trims admin and accelerates deployment windows. (ofcom.org.uk)

The instrument updates Ofcom’s interface requirements: IR 2030 for short‑range devices and IR 2066 for high‑density fixed satellite terminals move to April 2026 editions, while two new documents land - IR 2113 for autonomous maritime radio devices and IR 2114 covering coastal station radio used for training. The regulatory text also defines “autonomous maritime radio device” and sets equipment‑use conditions. (ofcom.org.uk)

On 5.8GHz specifically, Ofcom confirms that fixed broadband services operating in 5,725–5,850MHz are licence‑exempt when they meet IR 2007 and use transmit power control and dynamic frequency selection, or techniques that perform at least as well as those in ETSI EN 302 502. This formalises a route for outdoor point‑to‑point and access links without a spectrum licence, provided radio stacks implement DFS/TPC correctly. (ofcom.org.uk)

For WISPs and rural broadband integrators, the ask is practical rather than theoretical: verify firmware supports ETSI‑grade DFS/TPC, refresh site plans around channel availability, and build radar‑avoidance hold‑off times into SLAs. The near‑term payoff is quicker installs and less paperwork; the risk remains interference management, where Ofcom can still require changes if operations cause problems.

Maritime gets a targeted carve‑out. Group B autonomous maritime radio devices are now licence‑exempt at 160.9MHz (VHF Channel 2006) when compliant with IR 2113, they are not used for a vessel’s navigation safety, and antennas sit no higher than one metre above sea level. Ofcom’s AMRD policy materials specify 100mW EIRP and the same 1‑metre height cap for Group B, aligning with ITU‑R M.2135‑1 definitions. (ofcom.org.uk)

The immediate winners are manufacturers of data buoys, fishing‑gear markers and environmental sensor nodes. The exemption removes the licence step for telemetry‑only deployments launched from UK waters or UK‑flagged vessels, trimming programme lead times for aquaculture and port‑services pilots. Vendors should still design for coexistence in busy VHF corridors and keep logs that evidence compliance if challenged.

Training providers benefit too. A new licence exemption for coastal station radio used indoors, and only for training people to use maritime radio, lowers overheads for colleges and commercial centres. If equipment conforms to IR 2114 and stays indoors, courses can expand without the administrative costs of short‑term licences. (ofcom.org.uk)

Two housekeeping moves matter for compliance teams: references in the 2021 Exemption Regulations to IR 2030 and IR 2066 are refreshed to April 2026 editions. If your documentation still points to the March 2023 versions, update procurement specs and technical files so notified bodies and insurers see a current trail. (ofcom.org.uk)

Timing is tight. With the rules commencing on 29 April 2026, SMEs have a two‑week window to sanity‑check equipment data sheets against IR 2007, IR 2113 and IR 2114, push manufacturers for ETSI EN 302 502 test reports, and prepare customer messaging on DFS/TPC behaviour that may briefly pause links during radar events. None of this changes the underlying duty not to cause undue interference.

From a business point of view, this is a useful productivity gain rather than a wholesale spectrum re‑think. Lower friction on 5.8GHz backhaul helps fixed‑wireless roll‑outs in patchy areas; AMRD exemption supports low‑touch maritime telemetry; indoor training exemption trims costs for skills providers. The compliance lift is manageable: read the interface requirements, configure radios correctly, document it, and build.