News

UK communications regulator Ofcom has unveiled plans to increase the availability of radio spectrum for “earth station gateways” – ground-based dishes that connect satellite networks to the Internet.

Earth station gateways play a crucial role in supporting broadband services across the UK. By utilizing the 27.5 – 30 GHz spectrum (also known as the 28 GHz band) for Earth-to-space uplink transmission, satellite operators can enhance connectivity in hard-to-reach rural areas, as well as on trains, aircraft, and ships.

Earlier this year, Arqiva returned 448 MHz of the spectrum it held in the 28 GHz band to Ofcom. Responding to this development, Ofcom has proposed making this spectrum, alongside four additional “guard bands,” available for earth station gateways. This move will enable operators to access a wider range of airwaves necessary for their gateway operations.

As gateways are deployed at individual sites, their impact on other users will be minimal. In the future, Ofcom anticipates allowing shared access to this spectrum for other users and intends to seek feedback on this matter in a consultation scheduled for later in 2023.

The consultation period for Ofcom’s proposal will conclude on September 29th, 2023 at 5pm.

The post Ofcom Proposes to Expand Radio Spectrum for Earth Station Gateways appeared first on satProviders.