Consultation: Updates to Procedures for the management of satellite filings

Satellite networks and other space services make use of scarce and finite resources - radio frequencies and orbital positions.

These need to be carefully planned and coordinated at an international level as satellites provide regional or global services. This process, the management of satellite filings, takes place within a framework of international rules operated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Ofcom represents the UK in the ITU and manages satellite filings for companies or other organisations registered in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. While the overall number of filings that we manage annually has remained broadly static, the number of operators who apply through the UK and the range of services has increased. 

We publish Procedures which applicants must follow when applying for a satellite filing and which set out ongoing requirements for satellite operators. This ensures compliance with the international regulations. We update these Procedures every few years to reflect changes to the international regulations that govern the process for satellite filings, and other national issues as appropriate.  

This document consults on our proposed updates to our Procedures for the management of satellite filings. We have published a marked-up version of the Procedures document alongside this consultation showing our proposed changes to the text. 

What we are proposing – in brief

We are proposing to update the Procedures to include changes to the international rules agreed in the 2019 and 2023 World Radiocommunication Conferences to introduce:

• Requirement to state if a satellite has been used for bringing into use purposes in the last 3 years;
• Requirement to meet non-GSO deployment milestones;
• Requirement to submit EPFD Masks;
• Requirement to state if a satellite has deviated from the notified orbit;
• Post-milestone reporting procedure for non-GSO systems.

We are also proposing to make a number of other updates to our Procedures. These updates are to provide additional clarity around our existing processes and do not reflect any substantive changes to our approach:

• To provide additional clarity around how we interact with Government in fulfilling our satellite filings role;
• To clarify how we deal with requests to lease satellites for bringing into use purposes;
• To include text encouraging all applicants for UK satellite filings to comply with best practice guidelines for space sustainability;
• To explain how we manage applications for filings under Regulation No. 4.4 of the Radio Regulations;
• To explain additional process steps that apply to applications for UK2.1 frequencies;
• To make a number of minor editorial changes to our Procedures, e.g. to reflect changes in the space environment since we last updated our Procedures.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses by using the consultation response form by 5pm on 23 May 2025.