The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today done as expected by proposing for the UK to become the “first country in Europe” to authorise Direct to Device (D2D) satellite services for use in regular mobile bands, which could be used to help mobile operators improve their 4G and 5G coverage.
Several satellite-based broadband and communication networks are currently developing services that can directly connect to unmodified consumer Smartphones via regular mobile spectrum bands. Some examples of this include Starlink (Direct to Cell) and AST SpaceMobile. In fact, some phones, like the latest iPhone series from Apple, already have a basic communication system that can work via satellite (usually for emergencies).
The problem is that the licences held by UK mobile operators to provide communications services do not currently authorise transmissions from space. The introduction of D2D services in terrestrial mobile bands would also raise a number of other issues, such as the potential for an increased risk of interference between the satellite and the ground infrastructure of the mobile operators.
Nevertheless, Ofcom’s previous work has uncovered plenty of support for D2D satellite services within the UK market. As a result of that they’ve today moved forward with official proposals for turning this all into a reality, which will focus on harnessing “most of the spectrum bands” licensed to UK mobile operators (EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three UK) below 3GHz.
Ofcom’s Proposals
We are consulting on the ways in which we could authorise D2D satellite services to mobile handsets using most of the spectrum bands licensed to UK MNOs below 3 GHz. Under these proposals:
• D2D services could only be provided by Satellite Operators working with the MNO who is licenced to use the relevant frequencies nationally.
• We are consulting on three potential approaches to authorising mobile handsets to communicate with a satellite in the licenced band(s): (i) a licence exemption; (ii) a variation to the MNO’s existing base station licence accompanied by a licence exemption; or (iii) a new licensing regime. We have a preference for option (ii).
• The conditions of any authorisation would require the operator(s) to manage the D2D network in a manner that does not cause harmful radio interference to existing spectrum users in the UK and overseas.
• We will review our approach following the next World Radiocommunications Conference in 2027.
In the UK such an approach would be most useful for helping to connect users in some of the remotest rural areas, as well around coastal waters and to act as a backup in case of terrestrial network outages or when needing to contact the emergency services. Mobile operators are currently looking to offer such features as a premium add-on (global or domestic roaming enhancements etc.).
David Willis, Ofcom’s Spectrum Group Director, said:
“For years, we’ve seen satellite calls in disaster movies on special handsets. We’re now on the cusp of people being able to make them on their everyday smartphones.
Ofcom always strives to be at the forefront of technological change, and we’re the first country in Europe to press ahead with the next frontier in mobile connectivity. This would unlock investment, open doors to innovation and growth, and bring much-needed mobile coverage to rural areas.”
The regulator plans to consult on these proposals until 20th May 2025 and, assuming all goes well, then they could begin authorising direct-to-device services “later this year“. We know that Vodafone already plans to launch just such a service and that EE has been playing around with some solutions of their own, so Ofcom’s changes are almost certain to be followed by some product launches.