Ofcom Opens Q/V Band Spectrum for Satellite Gateways

Ofcom News Centre

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

Ofcom has decided to make up to 10 GHz of spectrum in the Q/V band available for satellite gateway earth stations in low-density areas of the UK. The regulator is now consulting on proposals to extend this access to high-density urban areas and has announced changes to streamline the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) licensing process.

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What changed

Ofcom has made a decision to open up approximately 10 GHz of spectrum in the Q/V band for satellite gateway earth stations, primarily targeting low-density rural areas across the UK. This move aims to increase capacity for satellite services, supporting enhanced broadband connectivity, particularly in remote regions. Additionally, Ofcom is proposing to allow access to these Q/V band frequencies for GSO and NGSO satellite gateways in high-density urban areas, subject to safeguards for existing users. The regulator is also streamlining the licensing process for NGSO satellite operators by speeding up decision-making and reducing administrative burdens, including no longer routinely consulting on NGSO gateway license applications. The Administered Incentive Pricing (AIP) model will be extended to NGSO satellite gateway licenses.

Regulated entities, particularly satellite operators and those involved in telecommunications infrastructure, should review Ofcom's proposals regarding urban area access and the changes to NGSO licensing. The consultation period for the urban area proposals closes on May 28, 2026. Companies may need to update their spectrum acquisition and licensing strategies to account for the increased availability and streamlined processes. While no direct penalties are mentioned for this consultation phase, non-compliance with future licensing requirements or spectrum usage rules could lead to regulatory action.

What to do next

Review Ofcom's proposals for Q/V band spectrum access in urban areas.
Prepare and submit consultation responses by the May 28, 2026 deadline.
Assess implications of streamlined NGSO licensing processes for future applications.

Source document (simplified)

Expanding spectrum access to boost satellite connectivity: decisions and further proposals

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Spectrum Space and satellites News and updates News Published:
19 March 2026 To meet the growing demand for satellite connectivity services in the UK, Ofcom has today decided to make more spectrum available for satellite gateway earth stations.

Satellite communication systems rely on gateway earth stations which enable large volumes of data to be transmitted between Earth and space, and then onwards to the internet or private networks.

In a further boost to satellite connectivity in the UK, we have today decided to make up to 10 GHz of spectrum in the Q/V band available for satellite gateways across most of the UK landmass, predominantly in rural ‘low density’ areas.

This provides extra capacity to support growth in satellite services across the UK and will enable more people and businesses to benefit from improved satellite connectivity, such as faster satellite broadband, including in the more remote hard to reach parts of the UK.

Supporting satellite services in UK towns and cities

Having considered responses to our July 2025 consultation, we are also today proposing to open up access to some of these Q/V band frequencies for GSO and NGSO satellite gateways in urban ‘high density’ areas, which cover the 6% of UK landmass not included in our ‘low density’ area decision.

Satellite operators have told us that there could be some specific benefits from locating gateways in these areas. Consistent with our objective to promote flexible spectrum sharing, we have developed proposals to help enable satellite infrastructure in UK towns and cities, while ensuring that safeguards are in place to protect existing spectrum users.

We are now seeking views on our proposals set out in our Consultation, which closes on 28 May 2026.

Streamlining NGSO licensing process and confirming fee model

Following consultation, we are also today announcing changes to improve our NGSO licensing process.

Our amended approach includes measures to speed up decision-making timeframes; and reduce the administrative burden on NGSO satellite operators. We will no longer routinely consult on applications for NGSO gateway licences.

Separately, we have today confirmed that we will extend the Administered Incentive Pricing (AIP) model we use for GSO gateways to NGSO satellite gateway licences as well. This reflects the significant growth in NGSO use in recent years and covers the extra spectrum we are making available today. Our fee model is designed to promote efficient use of spectrum - encouraging users to think carefully about their spectrum needs, as well as incentivising the highest value uses.