Statement published 10 November 2022
Non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) satellite systems are a new way of delivering broadband services from space using a constellation of satellites in a low or medium orbit. These satellite services have the potential to deliver higher speeds and lower latency services.
As set out in our statement on non-geostationary satellite systems, we have a new process for considering applications for the following types of spectrum licence:
- Satellite (Earth Station Network): this authorises an unlimited number of user terminals to connect to the NGSO system (subject to certain conditions). It also places certain conditions on the licence holder (typically a satellite operator) to coordinate with other licence-holders.
- Satellite (Non-Geostationary Earth Station): this authorises gateway earth stations, which connect the NGSO system to the internet or to a private network.
On 6 June 2022, Ofcom received an application from Telesat LEO Inc for a non-geostationary satellite earth station network licence. This licence would authorise small user satellite dishes that connect via satellites to the internet.
Following a consultation, in which we set out our initial assessment, we have published our final decision on Telesat's application.
