Mobile UK, the trade body for the UK’s mobile operators, has urged the government to prioritise the industry as a critical engine for national competitiveness. In an article originally published on Politics Home, it suggests that world-class mobile infrastructure will play a key role in achieving the government’s ambitions for economic growth, innovation and inclusion. […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom has opened a consultation on proposals to revise and improve the way it licenses non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems. NGSO systems use satellites to provide services such as broadband to individuals, businesses, and other organisations, particularly in remote areas. Ofcom introduced the current process for licensing NGSO systems in 2021 with […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom has confirmed that it will move ahead with plans to make the UK the first country in Europe to enable standard smartphones to connect to satellites using mobile spectrum bands. It means that services could soon be offered in the UK to enable standard smartphones to make calls, send texts and […]

The news that AT&T is paying some $23 billion (€19.8bn) for terrestrial cellular spectrum to EchoStar has alerted many analysts to the implied value of EchoStar’s remaining telephony spectrum. Reports are numerous that both Elon Musk – who has long coveted EchoStar satellite spectrum – and AT&T rival T-Mobile could be next in line for […]

Pay-TV operator EchoStar is selling $23 billions-worth (€19.8bn) of terrestrial spectrum designed to improve 5G and home Internet access. AT&T and EchoStar have also agreed to enhance their long-term wholesale network services agreement, enabling EchoStar to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator providing wireless service under EchoStar’s Boost Mobile brand. AT&T will be the […]

Using its ‘Multi-Operator Core Network’ technology, VodafoneThree has already switched on over 600 sites, representing the next stage of the telco’s £11 billion investment programme. This means customers’ devices will automatically connect to the best coverage available – whether that’s on the Vodafone or Three network – effectively giving them access to two networks at […]

Texas-based AST SpaceMobile has struck an agreement with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for global S-band priority transmission rights. Under the deal, AST will acquire Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum rights in the 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz frequency bands for use in low-earth orbit. The transaction aligns with the company’s 3GPP global spectrum framework […]

The 2 GHz frequency band is harmonised across Europe and allocated for ‘Mobile Satellite Services’. The capacity is currently licensed to Viasat (because of its purchase of Inmarsat) and EchoStar. The frequency licences expire in May 2027 and UK regulator Ofcom is calling for ideas on the future use to the capacity. 2 GHz is […]

Rivada Space Networks is a busy enthusiast for its ‘OuterNET’ satellite-based super-secure mega constellation. Company executives are regular speakers on the conference circuit. The problems that are never discussed are the project’s funding which is not yet in place, or contracts with a builder of its 600-craft fleet. The position has been exacerbated by a […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom has opened three separate consultations on its spectrum work, which relate to: changing satellite gateway fees; a proposed new non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) gateway licence for Amazon Kuiper; and introducing short notice, short duration licences in the lower 2.3 GHz band to support demand from the Shared Access and PMSE (programme making […]