Consultation: Enabling satellite direct to device services in Mobile spectrum bands

This document sets out proposals to authorise the use of spectrum bands used by the UK’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for satellite Direct to Device (D2D) services.

D2D services are designed to provide satellite connectivity to mobile phones in areas not covered by terrestrial mobile networks. They have the potential to increase outdoor geographic coverage and provide a basic backup service in the event of outages on the terrestrial networks.

We published a Call for Input in July 2024, seeking stakeholders’ views on how the introduction of D2D could benefit people and businesses in the UK and whether there are any risks associated with these services. We published a Summary of Responses in November 2024, and said we planned to consult on introducing an authorisation for D2D in mobile bands.

We consider that enabling these services in the UK could improve connectivity for consumers and businesses, particularly in remote areas; support investment; and open up new opportunities for MNOs (via satellite communications) to use their licensed spectrum holdings more intensively.

What we are proposing

We are consulting on the ways in which we could authorise D2D satellite services to mobile handsets using most of the spectrum bands licensed to UK MNOs below 3 GHz. Under these proposals:

D2D services could only be provided by Satellite Operators working with the MNO who is licenced to use the relevant frequencies nationally.

We are consulting on three potential approaches to authorising mobile handsets to communicate with a satellite in the licenced band(s): (i) a licence exemption; (ii) a variation to the MNO’s existing base station licence accompanied by a licence exemption; or (iii) a new licensing regime. We have a preference for option (ii).

The conditions of any authorisation would require the operator(s) to manage the D2D network in a manner that does not cause harmful radio interference to existing spectrum users in the UK and overseas.

We will review our approach following the next World Radiocommunications Conference in 2027.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses by using the consultation response form by 5pm on 20 May 2025.