Ofcom has signed off changes to the UK’s licence‑exempt rules for mobile devices. The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/203) were made on 3 March 2026 and take effect on 24 March 2026. Put simply: more 5G and LTE devices can be used in more bands without an individual wireless telegraphy licence.

The instrument updates the 2003 Exemption Regulations to reference the 2024 edition of the ITU Radio Regulations, removes a dated caveat in regulation 5(1)(b), and-crucially-extends the licence‑exempt class to cover 5G New Radio (NR) radiotelephones while adding further LTE bands. Ofcom’s note says a full impact assessment is available for scrutiny.

For 5G NR user equipment, Ofcom lists mainstream UK frequencies: 700 MHz, 800/900 MHz, 1800/2100 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.4–3.8 GHz, the local‑licence 3.8–4.2 GHz block, plus 26 GHz and 40.5–43.5 GHz. LTE devices also pick up 700 MHz, extra 2.3 GHz assignments, 3.8–4.2 GHz and both 26 GHz and 40 GHz. That broadens the UK device market for both public and private 5G.

For mobile network operators, the value is operational. A wider set of terminals is licence‑exempt, so onboarding handsets, fixed‑wireless CPE and industrial modems should be simpler. None of this changes the need for spectrum authorisations on the network side: 3.8–4.2 GHz remains under Shared Access licences, while 26 GHz operation must follow Ofcom’s conditions for high‑density areas.

Device makers gain clearer footing. With 5G NR radiotelephones formally licence‑exempt across these bands, OEMs can enable more bands at build time-subject to power limits and operator requirements-reducing UK‑specific firmware switches and paperwork once the rules start on 24 March. Expect cleaner certification paths rather than dramatic product overhauls.

Enterprises eyeing private 5G should focus on 3.8–4.2 GHz and 26/40 GHz. The change means end‑user kit-handsets, FWA terminals, scanners and sensors-does not need individual licences to operate on a licensed campus network. Radios that provide the network still require a Shared Access licence, so this is not a green light for unlicensed base stations.

Ofcom ties the exemptions to technical Interface Requirements that set channelling and power limits: IR2107 for 700 MHz (March 2021), IR2098 for 3.4–3.8 GHz (February 2016), IR2103 and IR2104 for Shared Access low‑ and medium‑power deployments (January 2025), and IR2110 for 26 GHz in high‑density areas (April 2025). Compliance teams should map these against device datasheets before procurement.

The near‑term economics are practical. Procurement and bring‑your‑own‑device (BYOD) policies become easier when user equipment is licence‑exempt, and certification timetables should shorten. Coverage at 26/40 GHz and the higher bill‑of‑materials for mmWave remain commercial hurdles for now; regulation is no longer the sticking point.

There is also a housekeeping element. The amendment removes a non‑terrestrial carve‑out in regulation 5 and omits two legacy sub‑paragraphs from Schedule 3, while aligning the UK framework with the 2024 Radio Regulations. Ofcom’s impact assessment-flagged in the statutory note-will help budget owners quantify any remaining compliance work.

What to do before 24 March: MNOs should review device ranging for 26/40 GHz and 3.8–4.2 GHz support and align retail gating with the new exemptions. OEMs should confirm band enablement against the listed ranges and verify emissions limits in the Interface Requirements. Enterprises should check Shared Access licence terms and ensure chosen devices declare conformity. After that, it’s execution.