Statement published 3 February 2025
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.
As set out in our statement on NGSO satellite systems, we have a new process for considering applications for NGSO spectrum licences.
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 below.
Following a consultation in which we set out our initial assessment, we have decided to grant an NGSO network licence to Kuiper. This decision will enable Kuiper to provide high speed, low latency broadband services to households, government and businesses in the UK.
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.