Statement: Non-geostationary satellite systems – licensing updates

Statement published 10 December 2021

One of our major priorities is getting everyone connected. We want to make sure people and businesses can access key communications services and to improve access to broadband services in the hardest to reach areas.

Playing a role in advancing this priority is the deployment of new satellite systems operating in non-geostationary orbit (NGSO). These systems are creating new high-capacity connections for people and businesses across a range of services. NGSO systems also offer lower latency and greater capacity, enabling service improvements compared to previous broadband satellite solutions.

We support these innovative solutions and want to enable as many NGSO systems as possible, to provide services and increase choice for people and businesses in the UK.

Following a consultation on our proposals earlier this year, this statement sets out how we will update our licensing approach for NGSO systems.