Statement: More spectrum for satellite connectivity – extending access in the Ku band (14.25-14.5 GHz)

Statement published 10 November 2022

To meet growing demand for satellite services, and in light of changing use in the band, we are extending access to the frequencies available for satellite connectivity on land, in the air and at sea, to include 14.25-14.5 GHz. Anyone wishing to make use of the 14.25-14.5 GHz band can now request a variation to their existing licence(s) or apply for a new licence.

We will introduce specific licence conditions in Earth Station Network (ESN) licences to:

• protect existing radio astronomy sites in the 30 MHz between 14.47-14.5 GHz. For aeronautical terminals, no use will be permitted at 14.47-14.5 GHz, and for land and maritime terminals, use will be restricted around two radio astronomy sites;
• protect the fixed links remaining temporarily in the band until the end of 2024 (currently nine paired links though only one is expected to remain after 2023). The protection requirement for each fixed link is specified in the Notice annexed to this statement; and
• protect Crown users. Existing protections as set out in Schedule 3 of the ESN licence will be extended across the whole 14-14.5 GHz band.