Statement published 15 October 2025
Non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) satellite systems are a way of delivering broadband services from space using a constellation of satellites in a low or medium Earth orbit. These satellite systems have the potential to deliver high speed and low latency services.
As set out in our statement on NGSO satellite systems, we have set up a process for considering applications for NGSO spectrum licences.
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 section below.
Following a consultation in which we set out our initial assessment, we have decided to grant an NGSO network licence to IGL and Space Norway. This decision will enable the applicants to provide connectivity services (including broadband) to commercial, government, aeronautical, and maritime customers in the UK.