Statement and consultation: Increasing use of the 27.5 – 30 GHz band

We are proposing to make more 28 GHz spectrum available for use by satellite services to meet the growing satellite connectivity sector in the UK and fixed links.

In our decision and further proposals on increasing satellite and fixed link use of the 27.5-30 GHz band we:

• set out our decision, following consultation, to make 560 MHz more spectrum available for use by earth station gateways, which are large dishes on the ground that connect a satellite network to the internet;
• propose to introduce a new mechanism to enable satellite gateway access to the whole band, subject to consultation processes to avoid material impacts on incumbent Spectrum Access licensees;
• propose to enable some additional spectrum access for satellite land terminals – the dishes and antennas used by customers to connect to a satellite network – and fixed links; and
• seek views on demand for unused 28 GHz spectrum blocks in London and Northern Ireland.

We are inviting feedback on the proposals by 31 May 2024, and plan to publish our decision later this year.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the consultation response form (ODT, 99.6 KB).