Radio Shop Chat: How a hybrid sharing model could enable the benefits of both mobile and Wi-Fi use of the Upper 6GHz Band

Dr. Steve Leach, Principal Spectrum Technology Analyst, Ofcom

SpectrumX’s next Radio Shop Chat will be hosted on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from Noon to 1 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. -to 10 a.m. PT. This chat, “How a hybrid sharing model could enable the benefits of both mobile and Wi-Fi use of the Upper 6GHz Band” features Dr. Steve Leach, Principal Spectrum Technology Analyst, Ofcom.

Registration is free, and required.

Registration information found here.

Abstract: Consumers and industry are increasingly relying on wireless broadband (mobile and Wi-Fi) for everyday activities. The demand for data is continuing to grow, putting pressure on the limited radio spectrum and pushing both mobile and Wi-Fi industries to call for additional spectrum. The upper 6 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz) has the potential to help support this growing demand.

Ofcom believes that ‘nationwide’ spectrum allocation is not the only solution, making this the perfect time for industry, administrations, and academia to work together to produce more creative solutions to boost spectrum sharing. To that end, Ofcom released a consultation in July looking at how both mobile and license-exempt (Wi-Fi) technologies could access the upper 6 GHz spectrum.  Dr Steve Leach will delve into the intricacies of this ‘hybrid sharing’, its inherent advantages, and the cross-industry cooperation that is needed to shape it.

Bio: Dr Steve Leach is a Principal in the Spectrum Engineering team at Ofcom, which regulates the UK communications industries. During the last 12 years, Steve has been working to enable new wireless services in the UK whilst making sure existing incumbent services continue to operate. He had a leading role in making available radio spectrum through a series of awards at Ofcom that has enabled new 4G and 5G mobile communications systems throughout the UK. He has led numerous technical studies assessing the interaction between different wireless systems and how they might harmoniously coexist, covering technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wireless video, military comms and telemetry systems as well as military and civil radar systems, short range devices and mobile telephony. He has helped set out Ofcom’s spectrum management and mobile strategies for the next decade.

Prior to joining Ofcom, Dr Leach held a number of different roles in a wireless consulting firm where, as Chief Technology Officer, he was responsible for all the radio surveys, indoor cellular and Wi-Fi system designs, and technical consultancy projects undertaken by the company.

As a chartered engineer and STEM ambassador, Steve acts as an engineering champion in his local schools and supports career development initiatives. He is also a trustee of a couple of charities providing education and support to disadvantaged women and children in Africa.

The SpectrumX Radio Shop Chats are a collegial debate on the pressing issues and optimal model for managing spectrum, as a complex interplay among technology, economics, law, and policy. All Radio Shop Chats are held under the Chatham House Rule.