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 […]

Satellite communications specialist Viasat has successfully performed what it say is the first successful direct-to-handset (D2H) communication test using direct-to-device (D2D) technology in L-band in Brazil. The demonstration showcased two smartphones connecting directly via satellite using 3GPP NTN standards without the involvement of other terrestrial infrastructure. According to Viasat, his signifies the start of a […]

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile, in coordination with AT&T, the ability to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum via its BlueBird satellites orbiting Earth. With this approval, it is envisioned that select first responders on FirstNet, Built with AT&T will trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later in 2025. AT&T […]

In an April 4th public note the FCC’s recently appointed chair Brendan Carr listed a number of tasks on his desk for action, not least the FCC’s current ‘foreign ownership rules’. He said: “Over the years, those regulations have increased almost as quickly as interest in the Heard and McDonald Islands. But in many cases, […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom is consulting on proposed updates to its satellite filings procedures, which are the processes for obtaining internationally recognised orbits and frequency assignments for satellites. Before a satellite can use the radio spectrum and orbits it needs, it requires an associated ‘satellite filing’ to obtain international recognition of these resources through the […]

UK media regulator Ofcom has published proposals for enabling MNOs to use their spectrum for direct to device (D2D) services, in partnership with satellite providers. The proposals are open for consultation and it expects responses in by May 20th. That timeframe suggests Ofcom expects to move pretty quickly on this one. “People in the UK […]

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued its note to interested parties that it is contemplating a new move as far as satellite C-band frequencies. This move is of key interest to SES and Intelsat. The FCC has issued a ‘Notice of Inquiry’ and confirming a meeting held on February 27th, and saying it […]

The post-results analysts call with SES senior management focused on two topics: The possibility of another C-band release of spectrum to the FCC and the state of the Intelsat $3.1 billion (€2.9bn) acquisition by SES and what the consequences would be if one of the parties walked away from the deal. The FCC is holding […]