3GPP and 5G NR standards
5G technology is standardised by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an international consortium of telecommunications standards bodies. The core 5G specifications are published in a series of releases, with each release adding capabilities.
Release 15 (2018): The first 5G specification, defining the 5G New Radio (NR) air interface for both NSA and SA operation. This is the baseline standard for all current 5G deployments including UK FWA.
Release 16 (2020): Added enhancements for industrial IoT, positioning, and improved power efficiency. Introduced 5G for unlicensed spectrum (NR-U).
Release 17 (2022): Introduced 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) for IoT devices, enhanced MIMO, and satellite NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) support. See 5gredcap.co.uk for RedCap coverage.
Release 18 (2024): The first release of 5G Advanced, introducing AI/ML integration in the RAN, further enhanced MIMO, and improvements to energy efficiency.
UK spectrum allocation
Ofcom is the UK spectrum regulator. The 5G spectrum bands deployed in the UK were auctioned in two principal rounds:
700 MHz (n28) and 3.5 GHz (n78) auction (2021): The major 5G spectrum auction. EE and VMO2 acquired 700 MHz spectrum; all four operators acquired 3.5 GHz (3410-3800 MHz) spectrum. Total 3.5 GHz spectrum acquired: EE 100 MHz, Vodafone 50 MHz, Three 140 MHz, VMO2 40 MHz.
26 GHz mmWave (2023): Ofcom auctioned 26 GHz spectrum in four geographic licence areas. Vodafone and Three were the primary winners.
ETSI and CE marking
CPE and router hardware sold in the UK must comply with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) or UK equivalent post-Brexit. Devices should carry CE marking (for EU market) or UKCA marking (for UK market). Compliance covers radio emissions, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.