Communications regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation on its proposal to allow satellite operators to access more of the wireless spectrum.
It is proposing to enable satellite operators to have access to frequencies between 14.0-14.5GHz compared with the existing ‘Ku band’ of 14.0-14.25GHz.
It said this comes in response to the operators saying they are constrained in offering new services to meet increasing demand by the existing arrangements, and that the expansion would help efforts to provide a wider range of broadband services, including in hard-to-reach areas.
Public service potential
It could also support new public service applications in areas such as the internet of things and connectivity for the transport sector, especially in remote locations.
As part of the expansion, new conditions would also be introduced to protect existing radio astronomy sites making observations in the 14.47-14.5GHz band from interference.
Ofcom also plans to introduce temporary conditions to protect any fixed links remaining temporarily in the band.
The document says that most countries in Europe have already made 14.0-14.5GHz available for satellite.
The consultation is open until 31 August 2022.
