Ofcom to Authorise Satellite Networks to Deliver UK 4G and 5G Mobile

The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today confirmed that they will “move ahead with plans” to make the UK the “first country in Europe” to authorise Direct to Device (D2D) satellite services for use in regular mobile bands via “standard smartphones“. The change could be used to help mobile operators improve their 4G and 5G coverage and roaming features.

Several satellite-based broadband operators are currently developing services that can directly connect to unmodified consumer Smartphones via regular mobile spectrum bands. Some examples of this include Starlink (Direct to Cell) and AST SpaceMobile. In fact, some phones, like the latest iPhone series from Apple, already have a basic communication system that can work via satellite (e.g. for emergencies).

However, the licences held by UK mobile operators to provide communications services do not currently authorise transmissions from space. The introduction of D2D services in terrestrial mobile bands would also raise a number of other issues, such as through the potential for an increased risk of interference between the satellite and the ground infrastructure of the mobile operators. But Ofcom says they can solve this.

The regulator’s previous work has uncovered plenty of support for D2D satellite services within the UK market, and they’ve today issued a statement that confirms their intention to authorise the aforementioned change(s).

Ofcom’s Changes (Full Statement)

• We want to secure the benefits of D2D services for UK citizens and consumers as soon as possible and our ambition is to facilitate the introduction of D2D services in the UK in early 2026.

• We have decided on an authorisation framework that requires a variation to an MNO’s existing licence and new exemption regulations that will enable end users to lawfully connect to D2D services.

• We have decided to consult on proposed exemption regulations.

• We are giving notice now (as required under section 122 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006) of Ofcom’s proposal to make Regulations which would create a new exemption to permit mobile handsets and other sim-enabled devices to connect to a D2D services.

• We are seeking views on proposed technical conditions to protect Air Traffic Control radar systems from potential interference from D2D services operating in the 2.6 GHz band.

• We also seek any further views from stakeholders on the non-technical licence conditions which we would include in the MNO licence variation. These differ very slightly from those set out in our earlier consultation.

• We welcome comments on all proposals by 5pm on Friday 10 October 2025

The new approach could be particularly useful for helping to connect people in some of the remotest rural parts of the UK, as well as around coastal waters, and to act as a backup in case of terrestrial network outages or when needing to contact the emergency services. Some mobile operators, such as Vodafone’s deal with AST SpaceMobile, are currently looking to offer such features as a premium add-on (e.g. global or domestic roaming enhancements).

Speaking of which, Ofcom are today also inviting any mobile operators that plan to offer a D2D service to come forward to the regulator, with a request for a licence variation in relation to their specific bands of interest (although the regulator’s focus seems to be on most of the spectrum bands licensed to EE, Vodafone / Three UK and O2 below 3GHz). Any licence variation will however still be subject to the “comments we might receive on our proposed non-technical and technical conditions“.