Consultation: Starlink Internet Services Limited (SpaceX) - application for a variation of gateway licence

Non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) satellite systems are a new way of delivering broadband services from space using a constellation of satellites in a low or medium orbit. These satellite services have the potential to deliver higher speeds and lower latency services.

As set out in our statement on non-geostationary satellite systems, we have a new process for considering applications for the following types of spectrum licence:

• Satellite (Earth Station Network): this authorises an unlimited number of user terminals to connect to the NGSO system (subject to certain conditions). It also places certain conditions on the licence holder (typically a satellite operator) to coordinate with other licence-holders.
• Satellite (Non-Geostationary Earth Station): this authorises gateway earth stations, which connect the NGSO system to the internet or to a private network.

Ofcom has received a request from Starlink Internet Services Limited, a subsidiary of SpaceX (hereon referred to as SpaceX) to vary four of its NGSO gateway licences. Details of this application (ref: SpaceX-Gateway2) can be found under the “Applications received” in the NGSO section of our website.

This consultation sets out Ofcom’s proposal to grant the licence variation requested by SpaceX. We invite comments on our proposal by 31 May 2024.

We will consider any responses to this consultation before reaching a final decision on whether to grant a variation of gateway licence to SpaceX.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the consultation response form (ODT, 98.5 KB).