Ofcom has issued a Call for Input on the use of the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) band (1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz), which is currently exclusively licensed to Viasat and Echostar until May 2027.
Ofcom, in its consultation paper, said this spectrum is harmonised across the UK and EU and has historically supported services like the European Aviation Network (EAN) and IoT satellite connectivity. With the expiry of these licences approaching, Ofcom is exploring how best to authorise future use of the band to maximise public and commercial benefit.
There is significant interest from satellite operators in using this spectrum for a range of advanced services including in-flight connectivity, direct-to-device (D2D) communications to standard mobile phones, and satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) services.
Respondents to Ofcom’s 2024 Call for Input suggested that D2D services could expand rural and emergency connectivity, while satellite IoT could enable environmental monitoring, agriculture, smart metering, and logistics applications.
Operators such as Sateliot, Myriota, and Lacuna have supported allocating 2×5 MHz for narrowband IoT, citing minimal spectrum requirements and strong market potential. Companies like Echostar and Viasat advocate for larger spectrum blocks, such as 2×15 MHz, for high-capacity D2D and aviation services.
Ofcom notes that multiple competing services may not be able to coexist within the available 2×30 MHz band without significant coordination or inefficiencies. Technologies like NB-IoT or LoRaWAN may enable narrowband services to share spectrum using a light licensing or “spectrum park” approach.
However, services such as D2D and air-to-ground broadband, due to their higher data requirements and use of omnidirectional antennas, are more difficult to accommodate alongside others without risking interference. The need for guard bands between different services could reduce overall spectrum efficiency, particularly if the band is fragmented across multiple licensees.
Ofcom is also considering the implications of cross-border spectrum use, given the physical size of satellite beams, which can range from 50 km to over 400 km depending on orbital altitude. These beams often span national boundaries, making it challenging for the UK to assign spectrum differently from the EU without coordination.
There are economic reasons to align with EU decisions as well, especially for high-capex services like D2D and in-flight connectivity that benefit from economies of scale and shared infrastructure. Some stakeholders have argued that harmonised EU–UK spectrum policies would reduce interference risks and make international service provision more commercially viable.
Ofcom plans to develop proposals based on stakeholder responses and will consult on them in 2026, ahead of new licence issuance. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit input by 5pm on 19 September 2025, addressing issues such as service demand, spectrum requirements, economic viability, and potential alignment with EU policy.
TelecomLead.com News Desk