Ofcom has announced two proposals aimed at advancing satellite communications in the UK. The first involves authorising the use of Q/V band frequencies — 37.5–42.5 GHz for downlink and 47.2–52.4 GHz for uplink — for geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite gateways.
Access would be limited to low-density areas, which comprise 93.6 percent of the UK landmass, to minimise interference with forthcoming 5G mobile services in high-density zones. The proposal includes technical licensing conditions such as antenna standards, elevation requirements, and power flux density limits to ensure coexistence with existing services like fixed links, defence systems, and radio astronomy.
The second proposal is to grant a joint NGSO earth station network licence to Inmarsat and Space Norway. This would allow operation of Ka-band user terminals in the UK, linking to NGSO satellites that enhance Inmarsat’s Global Xpress GSO network with extended polar coverage and significant service availability across the UK.
Following technical and competition assessments, Ofcom is inclined to approve the licence, subject to consultation feedback. The deadline for consultation responses is 2 September 2025 for the NGSO licence proposal and 30 September 2025 for the Q/V band spectrum proposal.
Ofcom’s strategy aims to facilitate the growth of high-capacity satellite communication networks by expanding spectrum availability and adapting licensing frameworks. The decision to open the Q/V band for satellite gateways is driven by growing demand for backhaul capacity to support new broadband and connectivity services across various sectors, including consumer, maritime, aeronautical, and government applications.
By targeting low-density areas and excluding high-density zones reserved for 5G mobile development, Ofcom seeks to optimise spectrum use while avoiding harmful interference. The strategic approach reflects Ofcom’s broader goals of promoting investment, innovation, and economic growth by enabling operators to deploy future-ready infrastructure.
The consultation also aligns with the UK’s spectrum management priorities by ensuring efficient spectrum sharing, supporting technological advancements, and maintaining international regulatory compliance.
Additionally, Ofcom is reviewing satellite gateway licensing fees to better reflect opportunity costs and is considering future changes under its NGSO Licensing Review. These initiatives are designed to encourage investment in next-generation satellite systems and enhance the UK’s position in the global space communications market.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
