Telecoms | UK Regulatory Outlook April 2025

Consultation on spectrum for satellite services

On 25 March 2025, Ofcom published a consultation on its proposals to authorise the use of mobile network operator (MNO) spectrum bands for satellite Direct to Device (D2D) services.  

D2D services enable satellite connectivity to mobile phones in areas that are not covered by terrestrial mobile networks.  

Ofcom is consulting on how best to authorise the use by D2D satellite services of most of the spectrum bands licensed to UK MNOs below 3 GHz. Their proposals include:

Only permitting the provision of D2D services by satellite operators that are working with the MNO which is licensed to use the relevant frequencies; and 
Having as a condition of authorisation an obligation to manage the D2D network in a way that does not cause harmful radio interference to existing spectrum users in the UK and abroad.  

Authorisation for mobile handsets to communicate with satellites using the licensed band(s) would be via:  

• a licence exemption;
• a variation to the existing base station licence with an exemption; or
• a new licensing regime.  

Stakeholders have until 20 May 2025 to respond.  

Ofcom publishes finalised Plan of Work for 2025/2026

On 28 March 2025, Ofcom published its Plan of Work for 2025/2026. For more detail on the key issues this covers, please see our Regulatory Outlook from earlier this year.  

Together with its 2025/2026 plan, Ofcom also shared its three-year plan. Ofcom's priorities over the next three years closely reflect this year's plan of works, but some highlights include:

• investing in the space sector and supporting satellite services;
• using monitoring and enforcement powers to ensure compliance with telecoms security laws; and
• promoting competition and investment in gigabit-capable broadband for 2026-31.