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UK telecoms and media regulator, Ofcom, has proposed to make 448MHz of the spectrum frequency in the 28GHz band available to satellite broadband services. This move aims to boost data speeds and expand coverage into remote communities.

Previously, parts of the 28GHz band were allocated to a mix of fixed wireless and satellite uses under different authorizations. However, this year, Ofcom agreed to limit the scope of Arqiva’s national 28GHz Spectrum Access license to only three locations until July 2026. As a result, 448MHz of “unassigned spectrum” was returned to Ofcom.

The regulator now aims to make both the unassigned spectrum and the four “guard bands” in the 28GHz spectrum band available to Non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) Earth station gateways and Geostationary satellite (GSO) gateways (Permanent Earth stations – PES). This proposal could benefit satellite broadband operators such as Starlink and OneWeb.

Since satellite gateways are typically placed at single sites, they will have a limited effect on other users. This leaves room for other users to potentially share access to this spectrum in the future. Ofcom plans to consult on this matter by the end of 2023.

The consultation period for Ofcom’s proposal will run until September 29, 2023. The regulator expects to publish its decision during the autumn.

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