Apply for a non-geostationary satellite earth station licence (FSS)
Published: 1 March 2024
Last updated: 29 April 2026
Non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite earth station licences are used to authorise gateway earth stations and user terminals that relay traffic via NGSO satellites that orbit the Earth. Here's everything you need to know about applications.
Consultation: Direct to Device licence exemption regulations update
Published: 15 April 2026
We are giving notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make The Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (the “Proposed Regulations”). The Proposed Regulations would amend the D2D Exemption Regulations and enable VodafoneThree to launch a D2D service in the UK.
Notice of charges for satellite filings
Published: 6 April 2023
Last updated: 9 April 2026
Ofcom charges a fee for satellite filings work carried out at the request of organisations. This is a notice of the fees we charge for such work.
Statement: Proposals for revising and improving our NGSO licensing process
Published: 16 September 2025
Last updated: 24 March 2026
We are proposing to revise the non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) licensing process to clarify requirements for current and prospective licensees, speed up decision-making timeframes overall, and reduce coordination and administrative burdens on NGSO satellite operators.
Opening up new frontiers in communications technology
Published: 19 March 2026
Nina Percival, Director of Spectrum Management and Authorisation at Ofcom, explains why our work in space spectrum is so important, and what it means for the services that consumers and businesses rely on.
Expanding spectrum access to boost satellite connectivity: decisions and further proposals
Published: 19 March 2026
Ofcom has today decided to make more spectrum available for satellite gateway earth stations.
Satellite earth stations
Published: 10 December 2021
Last updated: 19 March 2026
A satellite earth station is a type of radio equipment used to communicate with a space station (satellite) from the Earth's surface.
Statement: Updating fees for Satellite Gateways
Published: 1 July 2025
Last updated: 19 March 2026
Statement for stakeholder input on proposed updates to our approach to satellite Gateway spectrum fees.
Statement and further consultation: Expanding spectrum access for satellite gateways
Published: 22 July 2025
Last updated: 19 March 2026
This Statement sets out the decisions we are taking to open new frequencies for satellite gateways in ‘low density’ areas, following our July 2025 Consultation, along with new proposals for the authorisation of Q/V band frequencies in ‘high density’ urban areas.
Consultation: Starlink application for two non-geostationary gateway earth station licences
Published: 13 March 2026
This consultation sets out Ofcom’s proposal to grant two NGSO gateway licences to Starlink for its constellation operating in the Ka band.