Satellite spectrum and regulation briefing April 2025
Locations
Ofcom issues plans for D2D services in UK: as the enthusiasm for direct to device (D2D) satellite enabled services continues to grow, UK regulator Ofcom has presented its options for regulating the use of spectrum for D2D services. Focussing on the extension of the MNO licences, it has floated three potential approaches to authorising mobile handsets to communicate with a satellite, at least until WRC 2027.
Ofcom has a preference for a variation to the MNO’s existing base station licence accompanied by a licence exemption. The consultation is available here and is open until 20 May 2025. For further commentary, please click here.
Licensing other satellite enabled mobile services in UK: while Ofcom's latest plans focus on D2D services, its 2024 consultation on satellite mobile services also reviewed other options, such as mobile satellite services (MSS), 2GHz services, short range devices and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs). Further commentary is available here.
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Subscribe nowSatellite/terrestrial collaboration solutions for D2D: with the advances in regulatory clarity for D2D, satellite and terrestrial mobile players will be focussing on how to achieve an appropriate commercial and contractual collaboration. Given the varying cultures in the space and terrestrial ecosystems, the participants may need to work on creative solutions to the key contractual and commercial issues. Click here for further commentary.
Updated rules planned for satellite filings in UK: Ofcom is consulting about its plans to update the UK procedures for satellite spectrum filings about the use of satellites for bringing into use (BIU), meeting NGSO milestones, submitting EPFD masks, notifying deviations from the planned orbit and updated reporting for NGSO systems. These changes are intended to reflect changes in the international rules agreed in the World Radiocommunications Conferences 2019 and 2023. The consultation is open until 23 May 2025. Further details are available here.
UK spectrum developments for 2025/2026: Ofcom recently flagged a series of upcoming satellite spectrum projects under the umbrella of its project plans for 2025/2026. These include expanding spectrum access for satellite gateways (consultation expected Q2 2025/2026; followed by a statement Q4 2025/2026); expanding spectrum access for Ka/Ku band aeronautical and maritime satellite connectivity (consultation expected Q3 2025/2026); and updating the satellite authorisation framework for NGSO licensing and satellite gateway licence fees policy. Further details will be published over the coming months. Ofcom's work plan 2025/2026 is available here.
