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 […]

Virgin Media O2 has has announced the details of its spectrum transfer agreement with Vodafone UK that will see Virgin Media O2 acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum for an investment of £343 million (€400m), materially enhancing the company’s network position and helping to improve the connectivity experience of consumers and businesses across the country. The […]

Charlie Ergen’s EchoStar share price rocketed 43 per cent on June 13th on news that Donald Trump has intervened with FCC chair Brendan Carr over the dispute between the FCC and EchoStar. June 16th saw EchoStar’s share price (Nasdaq:SATS) finish the day at $25.11 (€21.72). A week ago they were $15.99. In a nutshell, the […]

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the trade body representing India’s telcos, is reported to written to DoT Secretary Neeraj Mittal, arguing that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendation that satellite spectrum be charged at 4 per cent of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) fails to ensure a level-playing field between satellite operators and […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom is consulting on a proposal to issue fixed-term spectrum licences to enable Starlink to use E band frequencies for Non-geostationary Orbit (NGSO) gateway earth stations at three sites in the UK. This is to expand backhaul capacity to support satellite broadband services. Ofcom notes that take-up of satellite broadband is rising, […]

The Federal Communications Commission is aggressively pursuing spectrum abundance as part of its Final Frontiers agenda to secure US leadership in space and supercharge the possibilities of satellite broadband. The Commission voted May 22nd to kickstart a proceeding that could unlock more than 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for high-speed Internet delivered from space.  That amount […]

A report on the satellite industry from investment bank BNP-Paribas highlights that a new auction of satellite C-band spectrum (in particular for US 5G use) “is back and too big to ignore”. The report continues: “As is the €800 billion ReArm Europe plan, with its focus on satellite communications. Geopolitical tailwinds are supportive. But amid […]