Non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) satellite systems are a way of delivering broadband services from space using a constellation of satellites in a low or medium Earth orbit. These satellite systems have the potential to deliver higher speeds and lower latency services.
Ofcom received an application from Amazon Kuiper Services Europe SARL (Kuiper) for an NGSO network licence for its NGSO system operating in Ka band frequencies, which is also known as ‘Kuiper’. This application is to cover Kuiper’s user terminals, and details of this application (reference: “KUIPER-NET-1”) can be found under the Applications received section of our website.
Kuiper plans to provide satellite connectivity services to households, business and other potential customers in the UK.
This consultation sets out Ofcom’s proposal to grant an NGSO network licence to Kuiper for its constellation operating in the Ka band. We are inviting comments on this application and our proposal to grant it by 18 October 2024.
We will consider any responses to this consultation before reaching a final decision on whether to grant a licence to Kuiper.
Responding to this consultation
Please submit responses using the response form by 5pm 18 October 2024.
Following a stakeholder request for clarification, Amazon Kuiper’s NGSO licence application relates to the following three satellite filing references - USASAT-NGSO-8A, USASAT-NGSO-8B, and USASAT-NGSO-8C. In light of this additional information we are extending our deadline for consultation responses until 18 October 2024.
