Ofcom has today published
proposals to change the way it licenses certain satellite
systems.
A number of new satellite broadband networks are currently being
developed, which use Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO)
systems to connect people to the internet – particularly those in
hard-to-reach areas.
NGSO systems are more sophisticated than earlier satellite
broadband networks. Rather than ground equipment pointing at a
single satellite to connect people, NGSO networks can involve
thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth, which satellite
dishes need to track as they move across the sky.
While this can potentially bring faster speeds to customers, it
can be more complex for different NGSO satellite operators to
agree how to operate their networks without them interfering with
each other. So, to help support competition in this market and
protect the quality of the service customers receive, we are
proposing changes to the licensing process for NGSO systems.
This includes new checks on potential interference between
networks; and publishing licence applications we receive, so
other interested parties have an opportunity to raise any
interference or competition concerns. The changes would also
require different networks to co-operate with each other on
technical matters to avoid risk of disruption to their services,
under the conditions of their licence.
We recognise the importance of these new services to the wider
space sector, and will be publishing our Space Sector Spectrum
Strategy this autumn. This will not affect the proposals
published today.
We welcome responses to our NGSO licensing proposals by 20
September 2021.
