Ofcom is the UK's regulator responsible for managing radio spectrum, including that used by the space sector. It oversees the efficient use of spectrum for satellite communications, Earth observation, and navigation, issuing authorizations for satellite communications and submitting satellite filings to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Ofcom's role includes introducing licensing frameworks, protecting Earth observation services from interference, and addressing issues like space debris. The organization is adapting its regulations to accommodate the rapid growth of the space industry, including stricter requirements for low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
GSMA, the UK’s Ofcom, GSOA, and a Tanzanian regulator are involved in an ITU proposal to expand satellite direct-to-device spectrum.
Ofcom approved a request from Telefonica UK to vary its Wireless Telegraphy licence to allow provision of D2D services and inserted the frequencies on which Telefonica UK is authorised to provide those services.
Ofcom approved a framework late last year allowing mobile network operators to provide D2D services by working with satellite operators and using mobile spectrum.
Ofcom gave formal approval on Feb. 17 for VMO2 to provide direct-to-device (D2D) services in the U.K.
Direct operating licenses for radio-frequency and satellite operations remain the sovereign jurisdiction of individual member-state administrations such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the U.K. Ofcom.
Ofcom's new regulatory framework, which allows Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to use existing terrestrial spectrum for satellite-to-phone links, came into force in late 2025.
Apple's direct-to-device service uses satellite spectrum and does not require the same type of regulatory approval as outlined in Ofcom's framework.
David Willis is Ofcom’s group director for Spectrum.
The United Kingdom’s communications regulator Ofcom authorized a regulatory framework to enable the deployment of satellite direct-to-device services in mobile spectrum bands in the U.K.
Ofcom released its framework on December 9, allowing mobile network operators to provide direct-to-device services by working with satellite operators and using mobile spectrum.
Ofcom granted temporary fixed-term licences to Starlink to use E-band frequencies at three NGSO gateway sites in the UK.
In December 2024, Ofcom received a request from Starlink for temporary authorization to use E-band frequencies at three existing gateway sites in the UK.
Ofcom's consultation questionnaire included a question asking whether Project Kuiper had an interest in offering D2D services or expanding an existing service in the UK.
Ofcom’s consultation questionnaire asked whether Project Kuiper had an interest in offering D2D services or expanding an existing service in the UK.
Ofcom plans a consultation on proposals to license gateways in higher-frequency Q and V-band spectrum in 2023-2024.
Ofcom granted Telesat a license to connect broadband terminals in the U.K. to its planned Lightspeed non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellation.
Ofcom is inviting public comments on Mangata Networks’ U.K. license request by 2022-10-18.
Mangata Networks expects to begin services in the United Kingdom and across North America and Northern Europe by 2025, as stated in a license application published by Ofcom on 2022-09-20.
Ofcom is continuing to review Telesat’s application for an NGSO Earth station network license for its Lightspeed constellation, which plans to operate both gateways and terminals in the Ka-band.
Ofcom records show Telesat has not reached spectrum coordination agreements with other licensed non-geostationary satellite orbit operators in the United Kingdom.