Space and satellites

This document seeks inputs to inform our future proposals for the use of these frequencies after the current licence periods expire. We will consult on our future proposals in 2026.

Non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems have the potential to deliver high capacity and low latency satellite-based broadband services to consumers, governments and businesses. Satellite communication systems rely on gateway earth stations (“gateways”), which connect satellites to the internet or to a private network.

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.

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.

This document sets out proposals to authorise the use of spectrum bands used by the UK’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for satellite Direct to Device (D2D) services.

We are consulting on authorising parts of Q/V band for use by GSO and NGSO gateways.

Ofcom received a joint application from Inmarsat Global Limited (IGL) and Space Norway Heosat AS (Space Norway]) for an NGSO network licence for the GX10 NGSO system operating in Ka band frequencies. This application is to cover the applicants’ user terminals, and details of this application (reference: “IGL/SN-NET-1”) can be found in the application documents

Satellite networks and other space services make use of scarce and finite resources - radio frequencies and orbital positions.

This consultation sets out Ofcom’s proposal to grant an NGSO gateway licence to Kuiper for its constellation operating in the Ka band. We invite comments on our proposal by 29 July 2025

Consultation for stakeholder input on proposed updates to our approach to satellite Gateway spectrum fees.